In this episode, retired Lieutenant Colonel Cathy Lowry-Gallowitz discusses her work in bridging the gap between veterans and the civilian workforce. She emphasizes the importance of hiring veterans and leveraging their unique skill sets in the manufacturing industry. Cathy also explains the concept of being veteran ready and the benefits it brings to companies. She shares insights from her book, 'Beyond Thank You for Your Service,' which provides practical strategies for civilians to better understand and support veterans in the workplace. Cathy highlights the challenges and successes she has encountered in her journey with Vanguard Veteran and outlines her goals for the future. Takeaways Hiring veterans brings numerous benefits to companies, including a safety mindset, operational discipline, leadership skills, and technical aptitudes. Being veteran ready means having systems in place to attract, hire, and retain veteran talent, as well as building relationships with sources of veteran talent. Civilians can support veterans by building personal relationships, offering assistance, and creating a sense of belonging. Small to medium-sized manufacturers have untapped potential in hiring veterans and can benefit from their unique skill sets. It is important to go beyond words and take action to support veterans in the workforce and the community. Connect with Kathy on Linkedin A big shoutout to Speroni, the leader in tool management systems. Their dedication to precision and innovation in the manufacturing industry is unparalleled. Speroni is not just a sponsor; they are integral to advancing manufacturing excellence. Their support allows us to bring these valuable insights and discussions to you. We're also thrilled to welcome our new partner, ShopFloor Coffee. More than just a coffee brand, ShopFloor Coffee is a cause-driven business dedicated to supporting workforce development efforts. A portion of their proceeds goes towards apprenticeships and scholarships in Advanced Manufacturing, making every sip count towards a brighter future for the industry.  And here's something exciting for our listeners! Use the promo code "SkillUpAZ" to get 10% off your order at ShopFloor Coffee. Not only do you get a great deal on your coffee, but you also contribute to supporting apprenticeships and scholarships in Advanced Manufacturing. It's a win-win – enjoy fantastic coffee while helping to skill up the next generation of manufacturing professionals.