Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed are calling on employers to strengthen their workforce by hiring former service members through a federal recognition program — the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program.
The application period for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program runs from January 30 through April 30, 2026. The program is an official initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor.
“We need our veterans in Alabama’s workforce, and as governor, I’ve made it a priority to connect their diverse talents with meaningful opportunities,” Ivey said. “These extraordinary men and women deserve our very best, and I am proud of Alabama’s world-class employers for helping our veterans provide for themselves and their families after service.”
The awards are the only federal-level veterans’ employment honor recognizing an employer’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development.
In 2025, 48 Alabama companies received the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, while 2,000 employers nationwide were recognized. Since the program’s inception, nearly 160 Alabama businesses have received the honor.
“We are fortunate to have a large population of veterans that call Alabama home, and many employers in a variety of industries that are ready to hire them. The HIRE VETS program honors the recruiting and employing of veterans across the state of Alabama.” said Reed.
Award criteria include veteran hiring and retention, veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources support, and compensation and tuition assistance programs, with requirements varying by employer size. There is no application fee.
Employers can learn more or apply through HireVets.gov, or get assistance at one of Alabama’s 57 Career Centers.
