If they're not yet retirement age (and sometimes even if they are), veterans separated from military service have to find jobs once they return to civilian life. And, as with anything, some employers are better than others—even specifically for veterans.

Monster.com has produced its third annual assessment of "companies that give back to those who have served by providing best-in-class veteran-oriented recruitment, hiring and retention programs." The nominees and winners "exemplify best practices in hiring, retaining and empowering U.S. veterans," Monster says in a statement. 

A panel of experts composed of U.S. Marine Corps officer and senior vice president of strategic programs at Orion International David Coe; personal branding coach Lida Citroën; retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, speaker and leadership consultant Justin Constantine; and former global head of military programs and engagement for Verizon Evan Guzman created the list of 49 nominees.