Veterans Day and National Veterans Small Business Week offer a meaningful opportunity to recognize the strength, resilience, and leadership that veterans bring to every community. At National Able Network (Able), we’ve long recognized that supporting veterans means more than connecting them to jobs – it’s about helping veterans build meaningful futures.
This year, we hold a special conversation with Able’s Board Chairperson and 27-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Angel Torres, to discuss the meaning of the holiday and how veterans shape our workforce and our future. This conversation offers insight not only into Angel’s perspective as a veteran, but also into the values that shape Able’s long-standing commitment to those who served.
Question: What unique qualities do veterans bring to today’s workforce and business landscape?
Answer: When veterans are truly integrated into a business, the dynamic changes. Instead of focusing strictly on job titles or departments, veterans connect through trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. We establish connections and relationships by drawing on shared experiences and values to strengthen alignment. Employers who are thoughtful in working with veterans tap into a powerful community and a highly qualified talent pipeline.
Q: How do those strengths align with Able’s mission and approach to workforce development?
A: It’s about purpose and a shared sense of mission. The people at Able are very special; every team member is deeply connected to the work. They understand the impact of helping people find meaningful employment, and they unite around that mission. Veterans operate in a similar way. We rally around purpose, bring a mission-driven mindset, and approach problem-solving with the same focus and determination.
Q: As the workforce landscape changes, what opportunities do you see for expanding how we serve veterans at Able — particularly around entrepreneurship and long-term career growth?
A: My experience mentoring veterans showed me how powerful entrepreneurship can be for veterans when the right support is in place, and it inspired many ideas for how Able can expand its services.
I’m excited to make those ideas a reality with leadership by strengthening our veteran-focused entrepreneurship efforts – supported by opportunities with new collaborators like the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation. Historically, veterans were a major force in building the American economy through business ownership, but those numbers have declined. Able is uniquely positioned to help reverse that trend. This area represents one of the most promising growth opportunities in how Able supports veterans moving forward.
Q: What message do you have for veterans exploring their next step?
A: Many veterans face this same challenge after service: they’re capable of doing many things, but uncertain which path aligns with who they truly are. So, the most important message I want them to hear is this: never underestimate the value of self-discovery.
Before you pursue any path, whether it’s a career in finance, law, business, or something entirely new, you have to understand who you are and what you truly want.
I pursued and earned 2 graduate degrees because I didn’t take the time to look inside and ask myself the important questions. It’s easy to chase the shiny options without looking inward first, but real direction comes from knowing yourself. And once you take that step, remember that you’re not doing this alone. You have resources, and you have people — including the team at Able — whose entire mission is rooted in supporting your success and helping you build a future that aligns with your purpose.
At National Able Network, supporting veterans is a year-round mission. This Veterans Day, we honor every veteran who has served and every one who continues to lead by example. We remain committed to expanding opportunities and helping veterans succeed in their next chapter – whatever they choose it to be!
