Newsletter · April 23, 2026

Football and Service Stories That Highlight Leadership, Purpose and Legacy

This Week on Hiring America

Hello Hiring America Family!
As the NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday, this week’s newsletter highlights the powerful connection between football and military service. You’ll read stories that go beyond the field, from historic moments when players like Paul Hornung balanced the game with national duty, to meaningful tributes honoring leaders like Paul C. Voelke on one of the sport’s biggest stages. You’ll also watch inspiring videos featuring Nate Boyer and organizations like National University and Soldiers to Sidelines, showing how the game continues to create purpose, leadership, and opportunity long after the final whistle.
First, follow the inspiring journey of Nate Boyer as he moves from military service to professional football and into filmmaking. The video highlights key moments from each chapter of his life and how they connect. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for resilience, purpose, and how skills from one path can shape success in another.
Next, learn how a new law is reshaping foreclosure prevention for veterans with VA-backed loans. It explains what changed after the previous program ended and how the new partial claim option works. You’ll come away understanding how eligible veterans can catch up on missed payments and stay in their homes without changing their original loan terms.
Discover the powerful story behind a unique moment at this year’s NFL Draft. It shares who will announce the New York Giants’ fifth overall pick and why this choice carries deep military significance. You’ll come away understanding the legacy of Army Major Paul C. Voelke and the meaning behind honoring him on such a national stage.
Then, learn how a pivotal moment in 1961 connected military service and professional football. It explains how John F. Kennedy’s decision to activate reservists impacted top athletes, including Paul Hornung. You’ll read how one of the game’s biggest stars balanced national duty with his role on the Green Bay Packers during a defining time in history.
Lastly, see how National University and Soldiers to Sidelines are teaming up to support veterans and military spouses. The video highlights how education and sports coaching are creating new career paths, community connections and leadership opportunities. You’ll come away understanding how these programs help participants find purpose, build skills, and transition into meaningful civilian roles.
Help us grow the Hiring America community by sharing it with a veteran, spouse, or supporter who could benefit. We appreciate your support and look forward to reaching more readers. Click HERE to subscribe.
We hope you enjoy today's newsletter!
Best,
Bill

Upcoming Events

Wells Fargo Presents Operation Stagecoach: Click HERE for the dates.
Central Region Virtual Career Fair: Click HERE for details.
Dallas Veterans Job Fair: Click HERE for details.
Detroit Veterans Job Fair: Click HERE for more.
Get the Full List
Do you have an event to share? Submit it HERE.

Veteran Nate Boyer's Journey from Green Beret to Professional Football Player to Hollywood Filmmaker

Nate Boyer's remarkable journey from serving as a Green Beret to achieving success as a professional football player and later transitioning into Hollywood filmmaking.

Watch Now →

VA’s Foreclosure Prevention Tool Is Back. Here’s How the Partial Claim Program Works

When the Department of Veterans Affairs’ previous foreclosure prevention program ended, veterans at risk of losing their homes by defaulting on their VA-backed loans no longer had a viable path to avoid foreclosure. President Donald Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law July 30, 2025, creating a partial claim program that gives veterans behind on their mortgages a structured way to get current without losing their home or their original loan terms.

A Legacy on the Clock: The Voelke Family Carries a Soldier’s Spirit to the NFL Draft Stage

When the New York Giants go on the clock for the fifth overall pick at this year’s NFL Draft, the voice announcing the selection won’t belong to an owner or a former Pro Bowler. Instead, the podium will be held by the living legacy of Army Major Paul C. Voelke.

This No. 1 Overall Draft Pick Became the NFL’s MVP While in the Army

In late July 1961, Congress granted Kennedy’s request to call up to 250,000 Ready Reservists to active duty for up to a year. One of those reservists was Paul Hornung, the 1956 Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1957 NFL draft. By 1961, Hornung was arguably the best player in professional football, and his team, the Green Bay Packers, was among the NFL’s best.

This Week's Highlight:

Become a Sport Coach with Soldiers to Sidelines. Presented by National University.

Join us to see how National University and Soldiers to Sidelines are creating new opportunities for veterans and military spouses, fostering community, and developing the next generation of leaders through the universal language of sport. Discover how National University, a veteran-founded institution, champions the military community by offering tailored educational opportunities for active duty soldiers, veterans, and military spouses. This video delves into the university's partnership with Soldiers to Sidelines, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans find purpose and community through sports coaching.