According to the U.S. Census, there were 15.8 million military veterans in the U.S. in 2023, representing 6.1% of the total civilian population aged 18 and over. This Veterans Day, WashingtonExec is highlighting how the GovCon industry is recognizing and supporting the veteran community, around the holiday and year-round.
Next is Randy Tharp, vice president of business engineering at CGI, as he shares his connection to the veteran community, how CGI recognizes and supports the veteran community this time of year and year-round and more.
Tell us about your personal connection to the veteran community.
As a veteran, my commitment to this community runs deep. I spent my military years building skills and values that continue to drive my professional life, particularly in supporting veteran agencies and programs aimed at improving the lives of veterans and caregivers. My passion for this mission led me to establish VETSports — a community and support network where veterans can experience camaraderie and the benefits of sports, reinforcing resilience and recovery.
My journey has always been about giving back to this incredible community in any way I can, honoring the strength and sacrifice of veterans and their families.
Is your company kicking off any specific initiatives for Veterans Day?
For Veterans Day, CGI will be holding hiring events focused on connecting veterans to meaningful career opportunities within our organization. These events go beyond introductions — they offer free professional headshots, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and skill assessments. Our goal is to help veterans leverage the strengths they honed in the military, providing them with tools to take on impactful roles where they can support their fellow veterans and address some of the issues that matter most to our nation.
How does your company recognize, work with, or support the veteran community throughout the year?
Supporting veterans is not something we limit to a single day. CGI hosts multiple hiring events that target the veteran community, actively works with the VA to improve critical services and partners with organizations like VETSports, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Blue Star Families. Our involvement in these groups includes event participation, sponsorship and most importantly, listening. By engaging directly with veterans and their families, we gain invaluable insights into the challenges they face, which allows us to tailor our services to meet their real needs year-round.
What role do you play in these efforts? Does the rest of the company get involved, too?
In my role as vice president at CGI, I have the incredible job of getting to understand our veterans and customers challenges, and bring solutions leveraging our global capability. In addition, I am the president of our Veteran and Military Resource Group, where I have the privilege of working with veterans every day to build our culture through mentorship and events to foster togetherness. Every day, I am honored to work alongside a team that shares my dedication to supporting Veterans.
Outside of CGI, I continue to lead VETSports, working to expand our programs and impact. Beyond my own involvement, CGI encourages all its members to engage through our Veterans Resource Group and charity work. Our commitment is not just words—it’s a collective effort that reaches all corners of our company.
Considering the GovCon industry and that many companies are made up of veteran employees, why is it important to you and your company to continue recognizing veterans and supporting them and their families, not just on Veterans Day but year-round?
Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving this country, and supporting them is a responsibility we take to heart at CGI. In the GovCon industry, we recognize that many of our team members and clients are veterans, bringing unique skills and perspectives that enrich our work. Providing ongoing support — through employment, partnerships and specialized programs — is how we honor their sacrifices. It’s about creating a legacy of respect, empowering veterans to lead fulfilling lives post-service, and ensuring they and their families feel valued, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.