WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its National Chamber Foundation today announced the finalists for the 2nd Annual Hiring Our Heroes awards. The 25 nominated employers have demonstrated leadership in addressing the challenges faced by veterans, transitioning service members, and military families in their search for meaningful employment. The announcement comes as Hiring Our Heroes crossed the 14,000 hire milestone since the program began in March 2011.
“The finalists for this year’s awards are employers from across America that have stepped up not only to hire talented veterans and military spouses but to recognize the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of the Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program.
“These 25 employers represent all sectors of the economy, but they share one invaluable quality—they recognize the value of hiring a hero. It is commitment from employers like these that has helped create a movement and truly make a difference on the issue of veteran and military spouse unemployment.”
The Hiring Our Heroes awards are given in five categories: Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; Wounded Warrior Employment; Post-9/11 Veteran Employment; Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring; and Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment.
The trucking company that received the prestigious award from the board of Hiring Our Heroes is Ryder. The trucking company received the Post-9/11 Veteran Employment Award, for demonstrated leadership in enhancing the ability of post-9/11 veterans to find meaningful employment in the private sector. The announcement comes as Hiring Our Heroes crossed the 14,000 hire milestone since the program began in March 2011.
“Ryder is a tremendous example of an employer that has stepped up not only to hire talented veterans and military spouses but to recognize the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of the Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program. “These 25 employers represent all sectors of the economy, but they share one invaluable quality—they recognize the value of hiring a hero. It is commitment from employers like Ryder that has helped create a movement and truly make a difference on the issue of veteran and military spouse unemployment.”