Navy Federal recruiting leader gives back through Hire Heroes USA

By: Allison K Stevens | May 1, 2026

Like many young people raised in the military community, Bryant Luciano—the son of a sailor and the grandson of airmen—felt the pull to serve. So, right after high school, the Pensacola native joined the Marine Corps. “I wanted to get out, travel and do something greater than what I was,” Luciano said.

After a decade of service, Luciano transitioned to civilian life—but the pull to service never left him. He moved back home, swapping his uniform for a backpack and a student ID at the University of West Florida. Like many Veterans, he struggled with the loss of identity and purpose that drew him to the military. But he took every opportunity to get involved, especially with local Veteran organizations, and rebuilt a sense of community on campus.

“It was a major change,” he said. “I didn’t plan for it the way I should have.”

After graduating with a business degree, Luciano landed a job as assistant store manager at a major retail company, where he delivered presentations to prospective employees and trained management in recruiting best practices. At the same time, he discovered Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit organization that provides free, personalized career support to Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans and military spouses and caregivers. 

The discovery was eye-opening. When he transitioned to civilian life, he hadn’t been aware that organizations like Hire Heroes USA existed—let alone that they offered tailored, one-on-one services by trained volunteers who understand the challenges of military transition. “I didn’t have a huge network,” he said. “I was back home trying to figure it out on my own.”

More than 100 hours of service

Because the organization offers virtual volunteer opportunities, Luciano was able to get involved while balancing a demanding work schedule and responsibilities as a husband and father. He began volunteering a few times a month—and quickly realized he was getting just as much out of the experience as the people he was helping.

“I looked forward to it more than my actual job some days,” he said. “It was my way of staying connected to the military community.”

Soon after, Luciano was himself recruited to Navy Federal Credit Union, a position that enabled him to serve the military community in his day job, too. Ten years later, he now leads a 30-person recruiting team and partners with senior leaders to deliver top talent for critical roles.

Over the years, he’s managed to keep up his volunteer work, thanks in part to Navy Federal’s volunteer leave benefit, which provides full-time employees with 8 hours of paid leave per year to volunteer for a cause of their choice. Over the years, he’s donated more than 100 hours of time, reviewing resumes and holding mock interviews and coaching sessions—making him a Hire Heroes USA volunteer champion.

Of the hundreds he’s helped, one stands out. A retired Marine came to a mock interview sharp and well prepared but came across as overly rehearsed. Luciano encouraged him to relax and make his answers feel more natural. The next day, he followed up with great news: he had gotten the promotion. “That’s the stuff that sticks with you,” Luciano said.

The extra time doesn’t feel like extra work, he added. “When you find something you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like a burden,” he said. “It becomes part of who you are.”

Hire Heroes USA clients rave about Luciano’s help, saying he’s honest and direct about career goals and what it takes to achieve them. “He not only helped me realize my worth and capabilities but also believed in me,” one said. “I could sense sincere hope from him wanting my success to come true and told me that it would.”

Bringing the mission to Navy Federal

Thanks to Luciano’s leadership, support for Hire Heroes USA has blossomed at Navy Federal. In addition to his own service hours, Luciano helped establish the first corporate volunteer engagement with Hire Heroes USA, bringing together team members who wanted to support the military community in a hands-on way.

Since 2016, 29 Navy Federal volunteers have completed some 300 hours of volunteer service, the first time a company engaged not just individuals but an organized team. At the same time, Navy Federal has hired 82 Hire Heroes USA clients to positions ranging from customer service and real estate to finance and tech. 

As he looks ahead, Luciano plans to keep up his work to help Servicemembers, Veterans and military spouses find their purpose after service. “These are incredible people who sacrificed for this country,” he said. “If I can help them take the next step, I’m going to keep showing up.”

Volunteer today with Hire Heroes USA or register for free, personalized career services available to U.S. military members, Veterans and military spouses.