Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with its challenges and many service members find it difficult to find a job post-service. There are many U.S. companies doing their part and moving to hire veterans, who come not only with skills gained in the military, but a willingness and the capability to learn and adapt.
Americans would seem to agree that veterans are valuable community assets. In a recent survey conducted by global market research firm Ipsos, 75% of those polled said veterans had a strong work ethic and would be of value to any company that hired them.
The American Legion annually recognizes those businesses which value the contributions veterans can make within their ranks.
Each year, American Legion national headquarters gives out awards to do just that at the veteran service organization’s national convention. The National Veterans Employment & Education Awards recognize those individuals and companies who help veterans find work, as well as those employers who hire veterans, disabled veterans and older veterans.
“Recognition is just one way we can say thank you,” said Eric Measles, chairman of The American Legion’s National Veterans Education, Other Benefits, and Homelessness Committee. “I have been pushing the veterans employment awards for years and this year have had a great response from numerous California legionnaires who are eager to move this program forward.”
Legionnaires who want to help recognize businesses for hiring veterans can find the required nomination forms on the Department of California website in either PDF or DOC format.
All entries must be accompanied by an official nomination form with no more than two pages of narrative, along with supporting documents.
The award categories include:
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- Employer of the Year – Small Business, Mid-Sized Business and Large Business
- Employer of the Disabled Award
- Employer of Older Workers Award
- Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year
- Outstanding Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist of the Year
- Outstanding Employment Service Office of the Year
Author: caLegion Contributor
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