HillVets: Building a Community for Veterans in Policy and Government

At RecruitMilitary, we believe that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, it evolves. HillVets exemplifies that evolution by opening doors for veterans to apply their leadership, discipline, and integrity within the halls of government.

When veterans have a seat at the table, their lived experience strengthens public policy and ensures accountability rooted in service. Supporting organizations like HillVets help extend the mission of service into civic life, empowering veterans to continue shaping our nation’s future through their voices, perspectives, and purpose-driven leadership.

A Grassroots Beginning

HillVets emerged from a simple but powerful need: a welcoming, agenda-free space where military-connected individuals in Washington, D.C. could find community and support. Founder Justin Brown, a Navy veteran, recognized that existing networks on Capitol Hill were often insular and limited. He and a handful of peers began hosting informal gatherings that quickly grew into a thriving, diverse community of veterans, service members, spouses, survivors, and advocates from federal agencies, VSOs, and the Pentagon.

Identifying Barriers and Solving Them

As the community expanded, two challenges consistently surfaced for newcomers to Washington: building a professional network and finding affordable housing. Many veterans arrived in D.C. with limited resources and aspirations to work in competitive policy and government roles. In response, HillVets formalized as a nonprofit and launched the transformative HillVets program.

Now one of the most sought-after veteran government fellowship opportunities, HillVets provides participants with housing, professional development programming, and connections to government fellowship placements. Many alumni transition into full-time positions on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies. To date, HillVets has helped more than 100 veterans start their careers in D.C.

Leadership Development for Mid-Career Professionals

Beyond early-career support, HillVets also runs a respected year-long leadership cohort, bringing together mid-career professionals seeking growth, mentorship, and expanded networks. Program alumni include chiefs of staff, deputy directors, senior policy leaders, and even congressional candidates. The cohort emphasizes nonpartisan collaboration, forging relationships that transcend political divides and reinforcing the belief that service transforms—not ends—when the uniform comes off.

Real Impact on National Policy

HillVets’ influence is visible in some of the most meaningful legislative efforts of the past decade. Alumni played critical roles in advancing the PACT Act, demonstrating how veterans—when empowered and connected—bring invaluable lived experience to policymaking. HillVets’ model of fostering community, creating safe spaces, and elevating veteran leaders continues to ripple across D.C.’s policy landscape.

A Mission Shared by Partners

RecruitMilitary’s partnership with HillVets reflects a shared vision: to expand post-service pathways that value military experience as an asset to the nation’s leadership and decision-making. By bridging the military and civilian divide, HillVets is ensuring that the principles of service, integrity, and mission focus continue to inform how our government operates and how veterans lead beyond their time in uniform.

Another organization that is united in mission and partnership with both HillVets and RecruitMilitary is Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

The Vision Moving Forward

At its core, HillVets operates on a foundational belief: when veterans bring lived experience into decision-making spaces, policy becomes more informed, grounded, and impactful. With ongoing events, strong partnerships, and a continued commitment to reform and advocacy, HillVets remains a vital pathway for military-connected individuals determined to make a difference in government, policy, and public service.