Gary Profit, Senior Director of Military Programs at Walmart, here for a live Q&A February 13th at 4pm ET. What questions do you have for me?

BG Gary Profit — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:54:21 -0500

After more than 31 years of U.S. Army service, Brigadier General Gary M Profit retired on February 28, 2006, and, until October 2008, he was Director of Human Capital Management Solutions; International Programs; and Department of Defense Business Transformation Agency Programs, Civilian/Homeland Security Solutions, General Dynamics Information Technology, in which capacities he led a premier provider of lifecycle human capital management technology/service solutions; international technology transfer/export control service solutions; and strategic communications service solutions, respectively. Brigadier General (Retired) Profit is currently Senior Director of Military Programs, Walmart. Profit was appointed by the Governor to the Arkansas Veterans Commission and is on the National Advisory Council of the Beck PRIDE Center for America’s Wounded Veterans at Arkansas State University, a member of the BlueStar HonorCare Advisory Board, a member of the Franklin Project at the Aspen Institute, and on the Executive Advisory Council of Mission: Readiness Military Leaders for Kids.

Commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1974 through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Brigadier General (Retired) Profit held assignments in the 4th Battalion, 20th Field Artillery; at the U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center; in the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve; in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Army; in the Office of the Secretary of the Army; and at Special Operations Command South, before commanding the 9602nd Command and Control Headquarters Brigade/651st Area Support Group. Returning to the National Capital Region, Brigadier General (Retired) Profit served as Director, Public Affairs and Liaison Directorate and Director, Chief Army Reserve Staff Group, OCAR, before being promoted to General Officer. His military career culminated with a capstone assignment as Deputy Chief, Army Reserve/Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command for Management, Resources and Support.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Feb 8 at 2018 10:06 PM

SPC Diana D. — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 22:06:59 -0500

First I would like to thank you Sir for your service and thank you for what you do for veterans through Walmart.
My only question would be, why does Walmart limit their hiring of honorably discharged veterans within their first year off active duty? Why would they not make that offer to anyone who has an honorable discharge and is qualified for the job they are applying for?

Response by CPT David Gowel made Feb 9 at 2018 9:18 AM

CPT David Gowel — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:18:33 -0500

BG Gary Profit, thank you for joining us on RallyPoint and for the meaningful work you have done at Walmart for our military community. For vets and service members in transition that are joining this Q&A, what should we all know about the available career paths at Walmart where you've seen members of the military community join, stay and love their roles?

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Feb 9 at 2018 11:38 AM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 11:38:09 -0500

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions General.
When you think of branding for a business, do you imagine a company brand is the personable thought/action moved to a physical image?
Regards,

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Feb 9 at 2018 2:04 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:04:43 -0500

Hi Sir,
Thanks for your time. My question is fairly simple: what are Walmart's "Military Programs" and what kinds of incentives does Walmart offer for it's veteran employees and customers?

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Feb 10 at 2018 1:43 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 01:43:28 -0500

BG Profit; we appreciate your service and we appreciate your joining us here on RP.

My question is a very simple one. I retired over a decade ago from the Army. I am currently in India, South Asia. I wish to work with Walmart in South Asia and I have the experience, knowledge and skills to give Walmart an edge. However, a U.S. veteran doesn't stand a chance in India without endorsement from senior management in the U.S. Kindly tell us how we can overcome such hurdles and obstacles in the path of our success after serving. Can we apply through you, Sir?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 10 at 2018 6:19 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 06:19:01 -0500

Military spouses are a group of highly educated, under or unemployed because of frequent moves. Does Walmart have any sort of hiring or employment plan for them?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 10 at 2018 7:07 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 07:07:43 -0500

I have no questions General, just want to say thank you for your helping veterans.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 10 at 2018 5:12 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:12:32 -0500

Thanks for spending the time with us BG Gary Profit. Knowing how much you’ve grown the veterans program at Walmart over the years, what have been some of your favorite milestones to celebrate as a team?

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 10 at 2018 5:25 PM

SGT James Murphy — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:25:50 -0500

Will we ever see "Army" PX type items available at Walmart. In particular clothing items like the Army Logo T-Shirts that have the special material that soaks up sweat and dries out fast!

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Feb 10 at 2018 9:54 PM

PO1 Kevin Arnold — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 21:54:23 -0500

I couldn't get hired now even if tried. So how does one get rehired if fired over 10 years ago for a stupid mistake?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Feb 10 at 2018 11:59 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 23:59:42 -0500

BG Gary Profit: First of all, Brigadier General Profit- I would like to humbly thank you for joining us here on Rally Point. IT IS SUCH AN HONOR TO HAVE YOU WITH US, SIR! YOU, SIR, ARE A VERY, VERY, VERY HIGH CALIBER MAN AND GENERAL.
ENJOY YOUR STAY....AND, I HOPE YOU FIND THE QUESTIONS FROM MY FELLOW RALLY POINTERS: INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired

Response by AB Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 2:43 AM

AB Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 02:43:17 -0500

Hi sir!

I need your help, I got a discharge from the air force back in December 2017, discharge codes JFY 2C (adjustment disorder) for an episode of major depressive disorder, single episode, with suicidal ideation but no intent. I'm currently trying to get my code changed so I can go back in. I was engaged up until a week before shipping to basic, and wasn't getting any letters for the first 3 weeks. When I got home, I went to a behavioral health clinic and they couldn't find anything wrong with me. The professional said they, since I only had two thoughts, that it was completely normal because people can occasionally think about stuff like that. I believe that my case was all situational and that I shouldn't have been barred from going back in. I'm still young and I want to serve my country. If you could help, I would greatly appreciate it. I've even considered going to my congressman for help.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Feb 11 at 2018 3:32 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 15:32:57 -0500

General,

Are you able to change or influence Walmart's racism and sexism in their hiring and promotion practices? Further, are you also able to change or influence Walmart's continued "low-ball" salaries, paying so low that employee's qualify for food stamps and welfare?

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Feb 11 at 2018 4:23 PM

CWO2 James Mathews — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 16:23:26 -0500

BG Gary Profit --Sir; My thanks for your long and valued service to the country that you and I have served. My question is a simple one also, but the answers will be difficult to unwind! Who are the soldiers who have died in captivity and/or been abandoned by the US Administration, why, how, and where was this done? A complete list of the names, place of death, provided to all surviving families. I well know, as you do, that to determine who was responsible for these men being abandoned will never be done, as such was long buried in the darker recesses of our government.

Response by Sgt Michael Drum made Feb 12 at 2018 10:22 AM

Sgt Michael Drum — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:22:37 -0500

Good morning, Sir. As an Enrollment Coordinator in the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, I spend a lot of time communicating with transitioning service members across the country. Many of them are older, experienced Staff NCOs and seasoned Officers with a plan, but many are also younger, junior enlisted, and may not have a path as clear. What would you say to the 20-21 year old Specialist or Lance Corporal trying to work for your organization? What do you look for in the ideal prior-service candidate and how would you inspire them?

Response by Col Joel Anderson made Feb 12 at 2018 3:56 PM

Col Joel Anderson — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:56:10 -0500

For those of us who have and continue to try and support our transitioning veterans and those involved in education and then looking for follow on employment, how can we become better engaged with your strategy to connect the dots and link the right folks up with the right folks at Walmart?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 5:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 17:09:53 -0500

Thank you for your service. I am in Iraq and need to attend to business here but wanted to thank you for honoring us with your meeting here Sir.

Response by COL Peyton Ligon made Feb 12 at 2018 6:31 PM

COL Peyton Ligon — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 18:31:50 -0500

Can you explain the Wal Mart program for assisting veterans?

Response by SPC Mike Lake made Feb 12 at 2018 8:03 PM

SPC Mike Lake — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 20:03:00 -0500

Ty for joining and helping veterans it's an honor and a privilege just to learn and get great insight from Gen Profit

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Feb 13 at 2018 6:03 AM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 06:03:39 -0500

Are you and Walmart open to new ideas that benefit veterans AND Walmart, such as a "Veteran Author" section or endcap or freestanding display in Walmart stores? Many veterans have published books that enrich the depth of appreciation and understanding of what we go through as warriors, and at the same time help us through PTS and TBI issues. It is cathartic, therapeutic and healing. Thank you! Hooah!

Response by BG Gary Profit made Feb 13 at 2018 5:01 PM

BG Gary Profit — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:01:17 -0500

We're enjoying our time with you and are happy to take a few more questions before ending the session.

Response by Sgt Frank Owen made May 2 at 2018 2:45 PM

Sgt Frank Owen — Wed, 02 May 2018 14:45:58 -0400

General, Our country needs a face lift. Our disabled Veteran/handicapped parking sign(red-white-blue) is a beautiful sign w/ an eagle @ the top & a wheel chair @ the bottom. As a Veteran, you should already know that 90 % of our Veterans, won't use the appropriated handicapped parking spaces,until they absolutely have to.
Today's youth - up to 30 years of age & beyond, absolutely have "little" or no appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy on a daily basis. I know our sign will help make a positive attitude change in America's youth. I know our program will be honored by all americans. A welcome change - a face lift if you will. The amount of good-will that Wal Mart will receive when they implement our -sign program will be enormous ! I haven't the computer capability to send you a copy of the sign over cyber space, but if you will send me your "FAX" number, I will get it right to you for your review.