Supporting Fort Knox growth vital for area workforce 

November 11 marks Veterans Day, a time to honor the men and women who have bravely served our nation in uniform. Here in the Lincoln Trail region, our community’s identity is deeply intertwined with the presence of veterans and active duty service members thanks to our proximity to Fort Knox. 

The installation's impact on the regional economy cannot be overstated. In 2024, Fort Knox generated an economic impact of $5.6 billion, supporting 22,000 jobs on-post and 13,000 indirect jobs off-post. In fact, Fort Knox is the second largest workforce in Kentucky as a single enterprise. This impact only grows as more missions locate to Fort Knox, such as the new 3-star headquarters for Recruiting Command. 

At the Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA), where I serve as President and CEO, we work every day through focused and cooperative engagements to protect and promote Fort Knox to increase its economic impact on the Greater Fort Knox Region and the state of Kentucky.

Fort Knox is vital to our region not only for its workforce, but also for the many veterans and their families who make this area their permanent home after serving on the installation. The post has attracted countless skilled professionals to the region: individuals who have gone on to start new businesses, lead community organizations, bolster our regional economy and help shape our identity. 

Though veterans and their families often bring valuable skills that make them strong assets to a variety of employers, navigating the transition from the military to the civilian workforce — and for military spouses, starting over in a new community — can present challenges. 

Fortunately, there are a host of regional events and resources geared toward making these transitions smoother. For example, KRDA is proud to take part in the annual Veteran 2 Entrepreneur event on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff. Hosted by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center and Abound Credit Union, the event allows veterans to network, connect with valuable small business resources and learn essential skills for starting, growing and running a business. 

Year-round career resources are also available for area veterans and their families. The Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT) and the organization's Veteran Employment Services Program, for example, provides individualized support to eligible veterans, addressing their unique employment and training requirements. 

These services are bolstered by an access point on Fort Knox, serving Soldiers, civilian employees and their families. This access point provides essential services directly to the Fort Knox community and enhances the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), an interagency cooperative federal effort to assist in military to civilian transition. TAP programming includes pre-separation counseling, self-assessment and workshops for servicemembers separating or retiring from active duty. The program is mandatory for transitioning service members and military retirees have access to the program indefinitely. 

Another valuable career resource for military families at Fort Knox is the Employment Readiness Program (ERP). This program provides comprehensive support, including job search assistance, career coaching, guidance on spouse employment and portable careers, assistance with launching home-based businesses, as well as access to hiring events and networking opportunities. ERP serves military spouses, retirees and active duty service members, empowering each to achieve their career goals. To learn more, visit knox.armymwr.com/employment-resources. 

KRDA is also proud to work with KCC-LT to help military spouses relocating to Fort Knox navigate their transition into a new career through The Greater Fort Knox Region website. By completing a brief questionnaire, individuals are connected with a career coach from KCC-LT who will assist with the job search process or training needs at no cost. Career coaches can also introduce them to a volunteer community connector who can help them quickly build a local professional network. Outside of career services, the website also provides information on surrounding communities, area amenities, community resources and more. To learn more, visit greaterfortknox.com. 

As we honor our nation’s veterans this Veterans Day, let us also recognize the ongoing work of ensuring their success beyond military service. By continuing to support initiatives that strengthen Fort Knox, along with career opportunities for veterans and their families, we not only honor their sacrifices but also help sustain the vitality and growth of our region. 

To learn more about the Knox Regional Development Alliance, visit growknox.org.

Retired Col. Lance O’Bryan serves as President and CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance.