Wal-Mart pledges to hire 100,000-plus veterans

(AP) Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer and the nation's largest private employer, is making a pledge to hire every veteran who wants a job.

The plan is expected to be announced as part of an address delivered in New York on Wednesday at the annual retail industry convention by Bill Simon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart's namesake U.S. business.

The company says it projects it will hire more than 100,000 veterans in the next five years. Honorably discharged veterans will have a place to go, says Wal-Mart's Simon. The hiring pledge covers veterans within 12 months of leaving active duty.

Wal-Mart which also operates Sam's Clubs, employs more than 1.4 million workers in the U.S.