National retailer Walmart announced Monday that it will give hiring preference to military spouses as part of its commitment to helping veterans.

Walmart has long offered military associates the ability to transfer from one Walmart or Sam’s Club location to another when a spouse is transferred due to a military assignment. Now the Military Spouse Career Connection, Walmart’s new initiative to recruit military spouses, complements the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, which aims to hire 250,000 military veterans by 2020, a goal it is on track to surpass next year. All candidates must meet the standard hiring criteria.

In Hawaii, Walmart said it has hired more than 518 veterans since the launch of the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in 2013.

“We applaud Walmart’s commitment to supporting our veterans in the civilian workforce,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-­McNamara in a news release. “Our veterans bring key skill assets to the workforce that can greatly aid businesses in Hawaii and across the nation. In addition to bringing valuable technical skills, veterans hold a high level of leadership ability, respect, integrity, reliability and working as team members.”

Russell Coyamin Sr., who retired from the Army in 1996, and his wife have both worked at Lihue Walmart for the past 22 years. She is a full-time sales associate, and he is a full-time stocker.

Coyamin said it was difficult to switch back to civilian life after serving in the military for 22 years.

“When I retired I was handling logistics for a division, which included making sure approximately 10,000 soldiers had everything they needed (for) missions,” he said in a statement. “Working at Walmart is a bit like being in the military. We’re all family with strong leadership and associate teams. I’m also proud of Walmart for all they are doing to support the careers of service members and their families.”

Cal Madriaga, who served in the Army in Germany and Fort Hood, Texas, during his four-year tour, has worked at the Kailua-Kona Walmart for the past 13 years. He currently serves as a top stocker in the food department.

“I think Walmart’s commitment to veterans is a good idea,” Madriaga said. “They recognize veterans and help put them at the top of the hiring list. Plus, they are able to work with your schedule and accommodate certain days off as available.”

Walmart also honored veterans, their spouses and families across the country with dozens of in-store ceremonies and events, including small gift packages for veterans working at the Hilo store today.

“Military spouses are unsung heroes,” Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said during a Veterans Day ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. “They serve in partnership with their uniformed spouses, and we want to honor them and help them find a job or build an amazing career. To military spouses: You’ve got a home at Walmart!”

More information about Walmart’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment and support for service members is available at walmartcareerswithamission.com.

ON THE MOVE

The Arts at Marks Garage has announced that Reiko Ho will serve as programming director for the organization, creating, organizing, directing and supporting festivals and performances at its location in Honolulu.

Ho previously served as interim artistic director of Evolve Theatre Co., education director for Ohia Productions as well as upper-school dean of students and drama director for La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls for eight years.