Last week, veteran support organization ThanksUSA held a reception at the Rayburn House Office Building to fête its new initiative, called Pathways for Patriots. The initiative encourages companies from different industries in the private sector, like tech, engineering, healthcare and hospitality, to create pipelines of military spouses and children interested in pursuing post-secondary degrees, certifications and ultimately careers in occupations that companies are struggling to fill. Snapped: 1st Sgt. Jose Barreiro, his wife, scholar Andrea Barreiro and Ret. Adm. Michael Mullen.

ThanksUSA has awarded more than $12M in scholarships to the spouses and children of U.S. military veterans. Pathways is aimed at helping these scholars find careers in industries with employment and talent gaps. Here, four scholars flank Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security: Charlotte Orren, David Jeselson, Ashtin Jeney and Natalie Ebreo.