North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley have issued a call to employers in North Carolina to employ veterans and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The application process is open until April 30, 2025.

"North Carolina is home to approximately 700,000 veterans, who bring great skills and experience to our state’s workforce," expressed Governor Stein. "The HIRE Vets program recognizes companies for their support for our nation’s heroes, cementing North Carolina’s position as the most military-friendly state."

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only national recognition that honors organizations committed to veteran hiring, retention, and development. Last year, 28 employers in North Carolina were honored with this award.

For veterans seeking employment, the N.C. Department of Commerce has developed an online resource that showcases employers awarded the HIRE Vets medallion. This tool is available on the state’s NCWorks job search site and the NCWorks Veterans Portal at veterans.ncworks.gov.

"North Carolina’s military community is one of our state’s strategic assets, and we applaud the many employers who recognize the talent, value, and unique perspective that our veterans provide," said Secretary Lee Lilley of the N.C. Department of Commerce. "By recruiting and training veterans for meaningful employment opportunities, companies assist in the transition to civilian life and honor the sacrifice of military service."

Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also spoke on the program’s significance, saying, "Transitioning from active-duty military to Veteran status is easier when Veterans and employers engage and connect. The economic impact is significant, but the security of supporting your family with meaningful employment is something beyond measure."

The award criteria include veteran hiring, retention, providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programs, human resources dedication, compensation, and tuition assistance. The application fee is structured by the employer size: $495 for large, $190 for medium, and $90 for small employers.

Among past recipients of the award is Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM), which operates Veterans Services of the Carolinas. Jessica Rice, Managing Director of Veterans Services of the Carolinas, remarked, "We are honored to be a three-time recipient of this award, recognizing the immense value Veterans bring to our organization."

For more information or to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program, visit www.HireVets.gov. Assistance is also available through NCWorks Career Centers, details of which can be found at www.NCWorks.gov.

NCWorks Veterans Services receives funding via a $5,703,016 grant from the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, with no non-governmental financing included.