Call of Duty Veterans' Fund Reaches Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule

Activision announced today that its non-profit veterans' fund, Call of Duty Endowment, has paid for the placement of 25,000 veterans into jobs. In 2013, Activision said it was looking to reach this figure by the end of 2018, but it's done so two years ahead of schedule.

The company also announced today that its new goal is to place 50,000 veterans into "high-quality" jobs by 2019.

"The Endowment's efforts have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of so many who have given so much," Activision Blizzard CEO and Endowment co-founder Bobby Kotick said in a statement. "With U.S. veteran unemployment rates still well above the national average, we are committed to continuing our efforts and have established a new, ambitious goal to secure employment for 50,000 veterans by 2019."

Launched in 2009, the Endowment gives money to organizations that help veterans find jobs. It gives out money awards every year, with applicants needing to meet "rigorous criteria" to even be considered. So far, the Endowment has given $18 million in grants, while Activision itself has donated over $21 million. Activision also noted that the average cost-per-placement for the jobs in its program is $596, which they say is less than a fifth of the cost of federal placement programs

"Finding quality, meaningful employment is essential for a veteran to successfully transition back to civilian life," Endowment co-chairman and retired Marine general James L. Jones said in a statement. "The Call of Duty Endowment is truly making a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of military veterans and their families."

You can learn more about the Call of Duty Endowment at its website.

The next Call of Duty game is November's Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. Activision is also releasing a remastered version of the fan-favorite Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.