How Dollar General is Serving Those Who Served: Supporting Active-Duty Military, Veterans and Their Families Beyond Veterans Day

At Dollar General, supporting those who serve is more than a commitment recognized on Veterans Day. It is a year-round effort grounded in our mission of Serving Others and reflected in the opportunities, resources and support we provide to military veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and their families.

Today, approximately 5,000 veterans are part of the Dollar General workforce, bringing leadership, resilience, teamwork and operational expertise to our locations across the nation including stores, distribution centers, the DG Private Fleet and our Store Support Center (SSC). Their service experience continues to strengthen our organization and the communities we serve.

How Dollar General Creates Opportunities for Veterans to Thrive
Dollar General has been recognized as a Top Veteran Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine for more than 10 consecutive years, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to recruiting, developing and supporting military-connected talent.

Helping lead that effort is SERVE, DG's military employee resource group. SERVE, which stands for Support, Engage, Recruit Veterans and Educate, provides a network of support for veterans and military families throughout the organization. The group's mission extends beyond recognition events - supporting employees through their career journey, from recruiting and onboarding to professional development, engagement and retention.

"Military service often instills leadership, discipline and accountability that translate naturally into the workplace," said Lee Buggs, an Army veteran, vice president of HR operations at Dollar General and an executive sponsor of SERVE. "Through SERVE, employees can connect with fellow veterans who understand those experiences and help them navigate the transition from military to civilian careers.

How Dollar General Builds Belonging Through Connection and Mentorship
One of SERVE's newest initiatives is Vet to Vet Connect, a peer mentorship program designed to foster networking, development and leadership growth among military-connected employees. During its pilot year, the program matched veterans across the field, supply chain and SSC, creating opportunities for mentorship while strengthening employee connections throughout the company.

SERVE also recently launched Mess Hall Meetups, a quarterly lunch meetup for networking and to create community among military-connected employees. These efforts were developed to help veterans maintain a sense of connection and camaraderie many valued during military service.

How Dollar General Supports Employees Through Stages of Service
Recognizing that military service often continues outside the workplace, SERVE began offering support in the form of send-off care packages and welcome-home kits for service members returning to work after deployment.

The initiatives are designed to assist employees during significant life transitions, and helps ensure military-connected employees feel supported, fosters a sense of belonging and demonstrates appreciation for their ongoing service.

How Dollar General Recognizes Those Who Have Served
Dollar General celebrates and recognizes the contributions of military veterans across the organization throughout the year.

Recent recognition milestones include:

• Distributed commemorative challenge coins to approximately 5,000 veteran employees across the country during Military Appreciation Month (May)
• Hosted the 2nd annual "Steps of Service" virtual walk, with more than 300 employees participating to reflect on the contributions of DG's military workforce
• Presented a $1,000 donation to support the Station Camp JROTC during SERVE's capstone Salute to Service Week, which also featured a Presentation of Colors and a rendition of My Country, 'Tis of Thee
• Hosted an in-person and virtual lunch and learn on purpose and patriotism with DG vendor partner, Black Rifle Coffee Company

Community and customer investments include:

• Partnering with Operation Stand Down Tennessee to host a panel discussion for more than a dozen transitioning service members preparing for civilian careers
• Ongoing financial and volunteer support for the Sumner County Veterans Residence, Wreaths Across America, and Middle Tennessee State University's Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center Providing an 11% in-store military discount on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for active-duty service members, veterans, and their immediate family members
• Providing an increased 20% in-store discount on Memorial Day and Veterans Day

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At Dollar General, honoring military service means more than saying "thank you." It means creating pathways to opportunity, supporting employees through critical life moments, investing in professional development, fostering belonging and giving back to the military community. As we recognize Veterans Day, we remain committed to supporting those who served, those who continue to serve and the families who stand beside them.