COLUMBIA, Mo. (Feb. 16, 2011) -- Veterans United Home Loans was among 10 mid-Missouri businesses honored this week for hiring veterans.

The company received an award as part of the Show-Me Heroes Initiative, which Gov. Jay Nixon formed two years ago to encourage businesses to consider hiring veterans. The national unemployment rate for veterans overall has fallen in the last year, but recently discharged veterans are struggling significantly more when it comes to finding work. Service members who fought to preserve the American Dream are finding it increasingly elusive upon their return home.

"We're proud of our progress, but Veterans United is committed to helping veterans find employers that value their diverse and impressive skill sets," said CEO Nathan Long. "I hope companies across Missouri will recognize their value and their service and consider this deserving demographic more closely in the weeks and months ahead."

The state Department of Economic Development oversees the campaign, which also provides veterans and recently separated service members with job counseling.

Veterans United Home Loans is the nation's leading dedicated VA lender and one of Missouri's fastest-growing companies.

Veterans and active duty service members work in all corners of the company, from marketing and loan processing to the legal department. Every Veterans United employee is proud to serve those who have served us. But there's often a special relationship between Veterans United customers and employees who have worn the uniform.

"Knowing what they've been through, it makes you that much more determined to want to help them," said 1st Lt. Ryan Bell, an executive officer with the Missouri Army National Guard and loan officer assistant. "It's really gratifying to have a civilian job that enables me to make a living while at the same time helping my brothers in arms."

Last year, Veterans United Home Loans forged a relationship with Hire Heroes USA, a national nonprofit that provides veterans with job training, employment assistance and a gateway into business communities nationwide. The company donated $25,000 to the organization in 2011 and showcased the Hire Heroes USA logo on the Veterans United No. 32 during NASCAR's Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Veterans United also sponsors the organization's president, UFC fighter and former Marine Corps Captain Brian Stann, who serves as the company's official spokesman.

"The team at Veterans United is dedicated to helping service members take full advantage of the benefits earned by their sacrifice and dedication to our country," Stann said last year before the Veterans Day weekend race in Phoenix. "They're also committed to hiring heroes and providing them with the tools and resources to succeed. This is a company whose passion is enhancing the lives of American service members and their families."

About Veterans United Home Loans

Veterans United Home Loans is the nation's No. 1 dedicated VA lender. The Missouri-based national lender provided more than $1.6 billion in home financing for veterans and military families in 2011. Its mission is to help veterans and active duty military members take advantage of the home loan benefits earned by their service.