Walmart plans to hire 100,000 veterans in 5 years

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Walmart has a plan to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years. It's their new initiative to put heroes to work.



"I have been satisfied working here at Walmart," said Doug Burris, sales associate and veteran.



Burris works in the electronics department. He is a Navy veteran.



"I had spent about a year, year and a half with no job. And then I got antsy just sitting around the house so I went out looking for employment," said Burris.



He has worked there approximately two years.



"I didn't have any problems. I actually did my application on the internet. This store did call me and I just answered up and it has been about two years," said Burris.



Walmart has always offered applications to veterans.



But now through the Veterans Welcome Home initiative, they plan on hiring even more - 100,000 in the next five years.



"The advantage now that any veteran that has been discharged within the last twelve months active duty discharge with honorable discharge is eligible to come to Walmart and apply for a job," said Walmart Assistant Manager Brian Bartlette.



Walmart nationally has been on a hiring spree.



"It's in its infancy right now, but already this year there have been 16,000," said Bartlette.



Walmart's corporate office says they have a team of veteran counselors on hand who will reach out by phone to eligible candidates and walk them through the process of applying for a job.