On the eve of Veterans Day, New Hampshire took a bold step toward supporting those who have served in the armed forces and their families. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed an executive order on November 10, 2025, mandating that all state agencies must interview qualified current and former military members, as well as their spouses, for any publicly posted state job. The order, which was signed just as the state prepared to honor the contributions of veterans, is being hailed as a significant move to help ease the transition from military to civilian employment and to recognize the sacrifices made by military families.
According to the Union Leader, the executive order requires that any applicant who is a current or former member of the military—or the spouse of one—must be interviewed for state job openings, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Veterans must also supply proof of honorable service to be eligible for this consideration. This new policy is intended to not only help veterans find meaningful work but also to support their spouses, who often face employment challenges due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life.
The timing of the order was no accident. Governor Ayotte signed the directive on the eve of Veterans Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The governor’s decision to take action at this moment underscores her administration’s commitment to making New Hampshire a leader in veteran-friendly employment practices.
At a ceremony recognizing Ken Medor, a World War II Army veteran who turned 100 years old on May 5, 2025, at Langdon Place in Nashua, Governor Ayotte highlighted the importance of honoring veterans not just with words, but with action. Medor, who was born in Swanton, Vermont, served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, attended Boston University, and later worked at Polaroid for 33 years. His life story, as shared by the Union Leader, served as a poignant reminder of the contributions veterans have made to their communities long after their military service ended.
In a statement released to the press, Governor Ayotte said, “We owe a tremendous debt to the men and women who have defended our freedom. I know how hard the transition to the workforce can be after serving, which is why the state is going to make it a priority to hire veterans and military spouses. I hope businesses across our state will join us in that effort. Together, we can make New Hampshire the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
This sentiment was echoed in coverage by Saga Communications, which reported that Ayotte’s executive order not only applies to state agencies but also encourages cities, towns, and private business owners to make similar commitments to fair hiring practices for veterans. The order serves as both a directive and a call to action, inviting the broader community to recognize the value veterans and their families bring to the workforce.
The specifics of the order are straightforward but impactful. All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position in question, ensuring that the policy does not compromise the standards of state employment. Veterans are required to provide documentation of honorable service, a stipulation designed to ensure that the policy benefits those who have served with distinction. By extending the interview requirement to spouses, the order acknowledges the unique challenges military families face, particularly the difficulty spouses often encounter in securing stable employment due to frequent moves and gaps in their resumes.
Veterans advocates have long argued that military service instills valuable skills—leadership, discipline, teamwork, and adaptability—that can translate well into public sector jobs. However, the transition from military to civilian employment is not always smooth. Many veterans struggle to convey the relevance of their experience to potential employers, while military spouses often face additional hurdles related to licensing requirements or inconsistent work histories. By guaranteeing an interview to qualified candidates from these groups, New Hampshire aims to level the playing field and ensure their talents are not overlooked.
The executive order also has the potential to set a precedent for other states. While some states and municipalities have implemented veteran preference policies in hiring, New Hampshire’s approach of mandating interviews for qualified veterans and their spouses is seen by some as a more proactive and inclusive strategy. By encouraging private businesses to adopt similar policies, Ayotte’s administration is signaling that support for veterans should extend beyond government and into the broader economy.
Ayotte’s appeal to private sector employers is particularly noteworthy. As reported by Saga Communications, the governor is urging businesses to recognize the value of hiring veterans and military spouses, not just as an act of gratitude but as a sound business decision. Many employers have found that veterans bring a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to service that can benefit organizations of all sizes and industries.
For cities and towns considering whether to follow the state’s lead, the executive order provides a clear blueprint. By requiring interviews for qualified veterans and their spouses, local governments can demonstrate their support for military families and help address the persistent issue of veteran underemployment. The order’s emphasis on fair hiring practices is also in line with broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
While the executive order has been widely praised by veterans’ organizations and advocates, it also raises important questions about implementation. State agencies will need to ensure that hiring managers are trained to recognize military experience and to conduct interviews in a way that fairly assesses the qualifications of veterans and their spouses. There may also be logistical challenges in verifying honorable service and tracking the outcomes of the new policy.
Still, for many in New Hampshire, the executive order represents a meaningful step toward honoring the sacrifices of those who have served and supporting their families as they build new lives in the civilian world. As Governor Ayotte put it, “Together, we can make New Hampshire the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
As Veterans Day arrives, New Hampshire’s new hiring mandate stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to those who have worn the uniform—and to the belief that their service deserves more than just recognition, but real opportunity as well.
