First Command Won 2026 Patriots in Business Award
Fort Worth-based financial firm earns national recognition for its model of hiring veterans and military spouses.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Military Jobs
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First Command Financial Services has been named the recipient of the 2026 Patriots in Business Award, an annual honor presented by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership. The recognition follows the company's sustained investment in hiring military-connected personnel and hosting transition internships.
Why it matters
The firm serves as a case study for companies seeking to scale through remote-work models that accommodate the frequent relocation required by military families. By maintaining a veteran-led workforce, the business has institutionalized support for a specific customer niche.
In 2026, 85% of recruiting agreements involved veterans or military spouses, while the firm hosted 167 transitioning service members as interns in 2025. This performance builds on 14 consecutive years as a Military Friendly Employer.
The players
First Command Financial Services
A Fort Worth-based financial planning firm that focuses on serving military families through a veteran-heavy staff.
Chief Executive magazine
A publication for senior leaders that co-presents the Patriots in Business Award.
Thayer Leadership
An organization based at West Point that provides leadership development and co-presents the Patriots in Business Award.
The details
The firm operates a remote advisor model that allows employees to retain their positions and client books despite moving between duty stations. Its strategy also utilizes the Department of Defense SkillBridge program to provide internships for service members, with nearly 700 participants hosted since 2019.
Timeline
2017: First Command adopted its military spouse strategy.
2024: The firm previously received the Patriots in Business Award.
2025: Employees volunteered more than 30,000 hours.
2026: First Command won the 2026 Patriots in Business Award.
Nov 5-6, 2026: The award ceremony takes place in San Antonio.
Market Landscape
The firm demonstrates how companies can operationalize the Defense Department SkillBridge program to create a scalable talent acquisition pipeline. This strategy mirrors broader trends in service-sector recruiting where firms leverage specific federal programs to lower onboarding costs.
Operators looking to improve retention should evaluate whether remote-work models can accommodate the unique mobility requirements of military-connected talent. Tracking volunteer-hour metrics and SkillBridge participation can provide benchmarks for measuring the effectiveness of military-hiring initiatives.
The takeaway
Supporting a veteran-led workforce requires moving beyond recruitment to build a remote-first infrastructure that survives employee transition cycles. Audit your current internal mobility policies to determine if they support or hinder employees who move due to external service obligations.
What happens next
The firm will formally receive the award during the ceremony scheduled for November 5-6, 2026, in San Antonio.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational approaches to hiring at Military Jobs.
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Do you believe companies that prioritize hiring military veterans and spouses better serve their local communities?
