An abstract graphic of rounded lines forming a circle on a dark blue background. The lines are pink and blend into purple in an ombre circle, with just a portion of the circle showing on the screen. The graphic signifies the design of The Milken Institute's Global Conference 2025, an annual forum that brings together leaders from business, finance, and other fields to discuss economic and social issues.
Global Conference 2025

Strengthening the Pillars of Stability: Addressing Economic Opportunity, Mental and Physical Wellness, and Community for Military Service Members and Families

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There are approximately 16 million veterans living in the US. While a reintroduction from the military to civilian life looks different for everyone, it requires support across multiple dimensions, including mental and physical health care and employment. Veterans and their families struggle with high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and food assistance. Though platforms exist to create economic opportunities for soldiers and their families as they transition to veteran life, many families fall through the cracks, and successfully navigating the military-to-civilian transition is mostly due to luck. Effective skills training, financial literacy, and job placement assistance for servicemembers and their spouses need to be scaled up, providing clear, effective pathways for them to successfully integrate back into civilian life. But even further, economic well-being is inherently intertwined with mental and physical health and well-being, underscoring the imperative for an intersectional and holistic approach to ensure that veterans and their families prosper.  

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    Moderator

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    Kevin Klowden

    Executive Director, Milken Institute Finance

    Speakers

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    John C Buckridge

    President and CEO, Integra-Cast, Edgewater Funds
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    Mona Dexter

    Vice President, Military and Veteran Affairs, Comcast
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    Joe Dunford

    Senior Managing Director and Partner, Liberty Strategic Capital
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    Sylvie Raver

    Senior Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration, Milken Institute Philanthropy
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    Wendi Safstrom

    President, SHRM Foundation