The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes brought service members, veterans and military spouses together with employers and career professionals on July 14, 2026, at Wilmington University’s Dover location.
Held in collaboration with Wilmington University and Dover Air Force Base, the summit helped members of the military community prepare for civilian careers. Participants met with employers, explored career fields and hiring needs, strengthened their professional networks and received guidance on translating their military experience into civilian opportunities.
Employers also connected with candidates whose leadership, technical expertise and adaptability can benefit a wide range of industries. Attendees learned about employment resources available to support their career goals.
The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, a Hiring Our Heroes ambassador, former U.S. congressman and 32nd under secretary of the Army, joined University, military and Hiring Our Heroes representatives at the summit. The first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, Murphy spoke about his experience as a veteran, thanked Wilmington University staff members for their work and recognized President Dr. LaVerne Harmon’s support of military-affiliated students.
“There is no one in this country who has done more for first-generation college students like me or for my brothers and sisters who are veterans than Dr. Harmon at Wilmington University,” Murphy said. “That’s why we’re so honored to be here today with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes and to partner with patriots like her.”
Recognized as a Military Friendly® School for 16 consecutive years, Wilmington University has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the academic, financial and career needs of service members, veterans and their families. The University offers flexible degree pathways, career-focused programs and dedicated support services that help military-affiliated students build on their experience and prepare for continued professional growth.
Hiring Our Heroes leads a national effort to connect service members, veterans and military spouses with meaningful employment. The summit brought that work directly to the region’s military community.
— Maria Hess
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes brought service members, veterans and military spouses together with employers and career professionals on July 14, 2026, at Wilmington University’s Dover location.
Held in collaboration with Wilmington University and Dover Air Force Base, the summit helped members of the military community prepare for civilian careers. Participants met with employers, explored career fields and hiring needs, strengthened their professional networks and received guidance on translating their military experience into civilian opportunities.
Employers also connected with candidates whose leadership, technical expertise and adaptability can benefit a wide range of industries. Attendees learned about employment resources available to support their career goals.
The Honorable Patrick J. Murphy, a Hiring Our Heroes ambassador, former U.S. congressman and 32nd under secretary of the Army, joined University, military and Hiring Our Heroes representatives at the summit. The first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, Murphy spoke about his experience as a veteran, thanked Wilmington University staff members for their work and recognized President Dr. LaVerne Harmon’s support of military-affiliated students.
“There is no one in this country who has done more for first-generation college students like me or for my brothers and sisters who are veterans than Dr. Harmon at Wilmington University,” Murphy said. “That’s why we’re so honored to be here today with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes and to partner with patriots like her.”
Recognized as a Military Friendly® School for 16 consecutive years, Wilmington University has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the academic, financial and career needs of service members, veterans and their families. The University offers flexible degree pathways, career-focused programs and dedicated support services that help military-affiliated students build on their experience and prepare for continued professional growth.
Hiring Our Heroes leads a national effort to connect service members, veterans and military spouses with meaningful employment. The summit brought that work directly to the region’s military community.
— Maria Hess
