What makes Cox a great workplace for veterans and military families

If you’re a veteran or military spouse, you’ve probably learned how to quickly read a company. You can usually tell which organizations are simply saying the right things and which ones are genuinely invested in supporting military families.  

I’ve gotten good at that read over more than a decade as a military spouse. And throughout my four years working at Cox, I’ve had the opportunity to see that commitment from more than one angle. As an employee, I’ve experienced it firsthand. As communications lead for SALUTE, our employee resource group for veterans, military families and supporters, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the people, programs and partnerships that make that support possible. 

So, here’s my honest take on why Cox earns the recognition of a top employer within the military community. 

How Cox showed up for me and my family

Early into my time at Cox, my husband deployed for six months. I was still settling into my new job with both a baby and a toddler at home. Like many military spouses, I was balancing the demands of work and family during a season that felt anything but predictable.  

I braced myself for a reaction from my boss where this circumstance would be treated as a problem. 

But that’s not what happened.  

Instead, I received support, flexibility and understanding from my team at Cox Automotive. At the time, I saw it as a reflection of a great team. Through my work with SALUTE, I’ve since realized how that same commitment shows up across the company. 

What I’ve learned through SALUTE 

A colleague introduced me to SALUTE several years ago, and serving as the group’s communications lead has given me a front-row seat to the work happening across Cox to support the military community.

The company and SALUTE don’t go quiet after Veterans Day. We show up year-round through volunteering, mentorship programs, discussion panels and events and, perhaps most importantly, by building relationships and showing up for one another. I’ve seen employees dedicate their time, support recruiting efforts and create opportunities for veterans and military families to connect with people who understand their experiences.

What I’ve learned is that Cox’s veteran-friendly reputation isn’t built on a single initiative or annual recognition. It’s the result of consistent work from leaders and employees who care deeply about creating meaningful opportunities, strong support systems and a sense of community for those connected to military service. 

Supporting military careers at every stage 

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate through SALUTE is how intentional Cox is about connecting with veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses throughout their career journeys.  

The company has dedicated military recruiting professionals who’ve built relationships with more than 25 military bases and a number of veterans and military spouse organizations. They also connect with service members through hiring events and transition assistance programs to help them explore civilian career opportunities as they prepare for life after service. 

For military spouses like me, that career support matters, too. We usually don't change jobs by choice. We need to relocate because of orders, often on short notice and to places we didn’t choose. What we need is an employer who allows us to build a meaningful career that can move with us, so we’re not forced to start over every few years. 

Cox’s commitment has also earned national recognition. Cox received the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition the U.S. government gives to employers for supporting National Guard and Reserve members. Cox is also a partner in the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership and participates in Military.com’s Veteran Hiring Commitment Program.  

Cox has also been recognized as:  

These recognitions reflect real work happening across Cox and a culture you can feel. That sense of connection has meant as much to me professionally as it has personally.  

For me, it’s the teammates who checked in when they knew my husband was away, the colleague who thought of me when a SALUTE leadership opportunity opened up and the flexibility I count on during the harder weeks. It’s knowing that support isn’t a favor someone is doing me. It’s part of how we show up for one another. 

That’s what makes a difference to military families like mine. And it’s why Cox’s commitment feels real to me. 

Interested in a career at Cox? Explore our job openings and join our Talent Community today.