Despite the promises by companies such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot to hire more veterans, unemployment among the ex-military remains high — especially among those most likely to have served since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Among veterans age 18 to 24, the unemployment rate in February was 36.2 percent — the most recent figures available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For nonveterans the same age, the unemployment rate was 15.3 percent.

While programs such as Helmets to Hardhats, which matches veterans to civilian construction careers, have helped, lots of vets remain unaware of its benefits, officials say.