Companies noted for hiring vets awarded medallions

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Army veterans gather with currently serving soldiers in Point State Park as part of the Steel City Supports the Troops event to honor Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Pittsburgh. Keith Srakocic / AP photo

Thirty-four Alabama companies have received awards for the 2022 Hire Vets Medallion Program, an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor. These awards are the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

“Alabama is home to almost 400,000 veterans who have put it all on the line to protect the freedoms that make the United States of America the greatest country in the world,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in a statement. “As a society, it’s our duty to support these American heroes as they transition from their careers in service to whatever it is they choose to pursue next, and I’m proud to see so many great Alabama companies have stepped up to do just that.”

“Our mission always includes prioritizing our veterans. It’s something we take very seriously, and each year I’m proud to see Alabama step up and make this extra effort to hire these amazing men and women,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “Criteria for winning these awards is stringent and requires a great level of dedication. I’m proud that Alabama had so many recipients of this award.”

835 companies nationally were recognized for their commitment to hiring veterans. The companies awarded are also praised for ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act or the Act) required the U.S. Secretary of Labor to establish a program that recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans. Employer-applicants meeting criteria will receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.”

The criteria for recognition vary by level (Platinum or Gold) and employer size (Large, Medium, and Small). Large employers have 500-plus employees, medium employers have 51-499 employees, and small employers have 50 or fewer employees. Gold and Platinum are the two award tiers.

Randy Smith, himself an Air Force veteran, is the director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hire Vets Medallion program.

“With more than 200,000 servicemembers transitioning from the military to civilian life each year, the Department of Labor is committed to supporting all employers with community partnerships, resources, and tools to leverage this resource for their needs,” Smith said during the virtual awards ceremony.

Your efforts make a difference for our veterans and our community

To learn more about the Hire Vets Medallion Program, visit the website: HIREVets.gov.

Employers interested in participating in the 2023 Hire Vets Medallion Program should contact their local Career Center.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.