Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, but at Uber we know that veterans are some of our nation’s most talented and skilled leaders. Just over a year go, we launched UberMILITARY: our program to introduce service members, veterans and military spouses to Uber and empower them as entrepreneurs and small business owners. Since then, nearly 40,000 veterans and members of the military community have joined the Uber platform.

With Uber, you’re the boss, and there is no schedule. Ever. Nearly 90% of our partners say they drive with Uber to be their own boss and set their own schedule and half drive fewer than 10 hours per week.

From veterans looking for flexible part-time work while they go back to school, to reservists looking for work between drills, to military spouses hoping for work, that can follow them on the next move, driving with Uber is a perfect fit.

Meet a few of the veterans and military families in Texas who are driving with Uber to reach their goals.

Omar, uberX Partner 
“I am a Veteran with a service-connected disability. I was selling cars 6 days a week from 9AM to 10PM.Omar_VETSDAY A good number of my customers were Uber partners who were young fathers or about to be a dad, and wanted to be available for their families with the flexibility afforded by driving for Uber. My children are 4, 6, and 12, and I only saw them on Sundays. I started part time driving for Uber to make some income when I didn’t sell a car in May. Come July, I decided I was not going to miss another t-ball game or recital. My wife drops off the kids at school, I pick them up and start dinner. Every evening we sit down at the dinner table like a family and give thanks for our family being together. It’s my favorite part of the day.”

Mike_VETSDAYMike, uberSELECT, UberLUX, & uberX Partner
“I started driving with Uber in August of 2014.
I was looking for a way to make extra money as I have two kids in college and need to help pay their tuition expenses. A friend told me about Uber so I did some research and decided to give it a try.
Well the rest is history still driving for them and having fun at it I must caution that is is very addictive once you get started. I appreciate the opportunity Uber has given me and my family.”

Abid, uberX Partner Abid_VETSDAY
“Uber is a great way to earn money. The best thing is we are partners not workers, it’s simple work as much as I want and when I want to work. I was introduced to Uber by a friend that suggested it, since driving is how I cope with life, why not make money doing it.”

Lenoy_VETSDAyLenoy, uberX Partner
“I have to say I have always been a people person and really like meeting new people. Uber provides me with additional income to meet my financial needs. The diversity of the people that come to Austin makes it a great place to drive. I was intrigued about using my own car to make money and found Uber as a great vehicle to make that happen. Uber allows me to be home to pick up my 9 year old son from school and spend quality time with him.”

Richard_VETSDAYRichard, uberX Partner
“A veteran friend of mine who had partnered with Uber in October, 2014 urged me to look into it, and I did, joining the team later that month. Uber has made a big difference in my life. It adds substantially to my income, making a lot of things possible for me and my family that would otherwise be out of our reach.
On top of that I can honestly say that there is an element of fun in partnering with Uber. I meet a of of people, who are always glad to see me, and can often entertain them at least a little on their trip.”

John_VETSDAYJohn, uberX Partner
“What brought me to Uber was that I have to much free time when I am off from my regular job. I like meeting new people, and it gives me an opportunity to tell people visiting Austin about this wonderful city. Especially the local eats. I use the money that i earn from Uber to actually pay for my car since I bought it earlier this year. I enjoy driving for Uber even though its part time.
This pic was taken in 1995 when I first joined the Navy.”

Karen, uberSELECT & uberX Partner
Karen_VETSDAY“I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. In June 2015, my husband’s engine went out in his car and we decided to get new cars, adding an additional monthly payment to our expenses. We had heard about Uber and thought this is something we could do on the side to cover this additional expense.
And boy has it ever! Not only has it supplemented our income but I realized I really enjoy driving and meeting new people.
I have lived in Austin for almost 2 years but really didn’t know Austin. I now have a much better understanding of our great city by driving for Uber.“

William, uberXL, uberSELECT, & uberX Partner
William_VETSDAY“I medically retired from the Army about 5 years ago and pursued my BA in History from Texas A&M Central Texas graduating in August 2014. Upon graduating I found difficulty finding a suitable job and stumbled across Uber as a short term solution, but the flexibility and freedom of Uber, along with the enormous earning potential convinced me to continue driving for Uber for almost a year now. In the past year I have met successful business people, entrepreneurs, musicians, and professional athletes Uber is by far the easiest and most rewarding job I have ever had and thru my networking, I have taken on additional business opportunities and am currently pursuing my dream of becoming a professional actor.”

Gabe, UberEATS, uberSELECT, UberLUX, & uberX Partner 
Gabe_VETSDAY“I’m a Marine veteran who is now a full-time student. After serving eight years in the corps, I landed a job as a defense contractor working out of Washington D.C. area, where I got to travel the world and experience getting taxis first hand.
So when I heard about Uber last August, I thought, wow what a brilliant idea. I signed up and been driving since as a part time job. I meet interesting people, can drive for uber whenever I want or feel like it, and you are your own boss.”