Honoring Employers Who Hire and Support America’s Veterans
If you know an employer who goes above and beyond to recruit, employ, and retain veterans, now is the time to encourage them to apply for national recognition through the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, this prestigious program is the only federal-level award that honors employers for their commitment to veteran hiring and retention. The application period for the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award is now open — but don’t wait long: the deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.
What is the HIRE Vets Medallion Award?
Established by the HIRE Vets Act of 2017, the program recognizes employers of all sizes — small, medium, and large — who demonstrate excellence in recruiting and retaining America’s military veterans. Awards are given in two tiers: Platinum and Gold, based on factors like:
Percentage of veteran hires and retention over the past year
Presence of veteran support programs such as coaching, mentoring, and leadership development
Compensation and benefits for active-duty Guard and Reserve members
Tuition assistance programs
Dedicated HR efforts for veteran integration
No adverse labor law decisions related to veterans’ rights
Award Categories & Application Fees
Employers are grouped by size:
Small (1–50 employees) – $90 application fee
Medium (51–499 employees) – $190 application fee
Large (500+ employees) – $495 application fee
All application fees go toward administering the program. Award recipients receive a certificate and a digital medallion to use in marketing and hiring materials — showcasing their company as a veteran-friendly employer.
Key Deadlines
Applications Opened: January 31, 2025
Applications Close: April 30, 2025
Award Selections Completed: By September 30, 2025
Award Announcements: By Veterans Day 2025
Resources for Employers
Help employers get started by sharing these links from HIREVets.gov:
More than 2,000 employers have already earned this distinction. Let’s help more businesses get the recognition they deserve for supporting those who have served.
Encourage veteran-friendly employers to apply today — the deadline is April 30!
