Military Friendly® Announces 2023 Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America Awards

PITTSBURGH, April 12, 2023 – Military Friendly® proudly announces the 2023 Veteran Champions of the Year (VCOY) in Corporate America awards, a prestigious honor presented to those who champion the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention and career advancement of US military veterans in corporate America, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The 27 champions were selected for their advocacy on behalf of America’s veterans and military employees in helping to establish and grow long-term sustainable opportunities, services and programs within their organizations. In addition to recruiting and hiring initiatives, examples include onboarding and mentoring programs, veteran network and affinity groups, bridging the cultural gap between veteran and non-veteran employees, recognizing and celebrating military service within the organization, and working with veterans service organizations and other community groups.

Those chosen for the award do not have to be veterans themselves.

“We’re proud to recognize these 27 Champions who so selflessly advocate for our nation’s veterans in the civilian workforce,” said Chris Hale, Military Friendly® co-founder, CEO and a Navy veteran. “Many are veterans themselves, so they know the value that those who served bring to their organizations.”

The 2023 Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America list will be published in the June issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, a print and digital publication distributed free to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.

This year’s award winners are:

Nick Busse, Leaf Home
The Rev. Dr. Ed “Doc” Golden, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 317 (Kansas City, MO)
Jory Teno, The Friedkin Group
David Osborn, Armag Corporation
Barbara Beltram, United Health Group
Anthony Groff, Highmark Health
Pierre Redmon, PrimCorp. LLC
Catherine Harkins, IBM
John Willard III, Office of Workforce Development, Technical College System of Georgia
Chuck McGregor, Parsons Corporation
John Zieger, Bristol Myers Squibb
Dave Helton, EASE Logistics
Kimber Hill, VirtForce
Robyn Grable, Talents ASCEND, Inc.
Omari Faulkner, ManTech International
Joshua Santiago, Suburban Propane, LP
Michael Piper, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Bruce Mosler, Cushman & Wakefield
Kandi Tillman, 50Strong
Tommy Jones, Verizon
Mike Foss, Warrior Bonfire Program
Annie Drazba, American Systems
John Perez, Johnson & Johnson
Rob Sim, Organon
Justin McEwen, The Office of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
Cindy Pasky, Strategic Staffing Solutions
Brian “Max” Dubroff, Sandia National Laboratories

About Military Friendly®

The Military Friendly® ratings program was started in 2003 as an advocacy vehicle to encourage civilian organizations to invest in programs to recruit, retain and advance veterans as employees, entrepreneurs and students. By providing a benchmark to aim for, by posting a “score,” this program has encouraged civilian organizations to help veterans thrive in the civilian workforce. We believe that this is the very cornerstone of creating sustainable civilian opportunities for veterans.

For details visit MilitaryFriendly.com

Military Friendly® Announces 2023 Employee Veteran Leadership Awards

PITTSBURGH, April 12, 2023 – Military Friendly proudly announces the 2023 Employee Veteran Leadership Awards (EVLAs), a prestigious annual honor awarded to employees of an organization who are US military veterans and who demonstrate the finest qualities of our nation’s military, including leadership, teamwork, discipline, determination, adaptability, a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude.

The 26 EVLA honorees were selected for having a positive impact on the organizations they work for, as well as the military and veteran community. These veterans advocate for the advancement of fellow veterans within their organizations, mentor other employees, and work to bridge the cultural gap between veteran and non-veteran employees. They go above and beyond by volunteering their time.

“Most veterans are better for their service, and these 26 individuals exemplify the value that veterans offer as civilian employees,” said Chris Hale, Military Friendly® co-founder, CEO and a Navy veteran. “We are proud to honor them for their excellence and the positive impact they are having on their organizations.”

The 2023 Employee Veteran Leadership Awards list will be published in the June issue of G.I. Jobs, distributed free in digital and print to transitioning service members, veterans and their families around the world.

This year’s award winners are:

Michael Duerr, US Department of State
Chris Doyle, Fortuna BMC
Hannah Spring, US Coast Guard Exchange
Natalie Collington, Highmark Wholecare
James Roberg, State of New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services
Tommy Ellis, Independence Community College
Catherine Harkins, IBM
Alex Kell, HCA Healthcare
John Chacko, Bristol Myers Squibb
Austin Milster, Leadec Corp
Ken Hagler, Adecco Group USA
Douglas Jones, Cushman & Wakefield
Bryan Bergjans, Caliber Home Loans
Paola Martinez, Verizon
Dave Corlett, CopOp
Marcus Maschmedt, LHH
Hector Parra, JPMorgan Chase
Craig Tackett, Roche
Mitchell Rivas, Maryssa’s Mission Foundation
Jon Doolen, Riverstone Logistics
Jim Hefti, Advanced Technology Services
Brian Coughlin, Control Station, Inc.
Anthony Prause, American Systems
Eric Brew, American Corporate Partners (ACP)
Haley Guzman, Merck
Donna Bennett, Strategic Staffing Solutions

About Military Friendly®

For details visit MilitaryFriendly.com

7 Best Practices for Recruiting Military Spouses in 2024

The military spouse community is a tight-knit tribe filled with qualified, diverse, and eager-to-work candidates. Did you know there are almost 600,000 active duty spouses and over 300,000 Guard and Reserve spouses across the audience? Whether you’re an employer, school, or franchise, this is one talent pool that should pique your interest.

Here are 7 Best Practices for Recruiting Military Spouses

1) Expand Your Brand Awareness

While this might seem obvious, effectively marketing your brand to your target audience will help to familiarize the spouse community with your brand, start to build trust, and allow you to highlight your available opportunities, offerings, and programs in an impactful way.

2) Highlight Benefits That Are Attractive to Military Spouses

It’s no secret that effective marketing campaigns are tailored to an organization’s target audience, that’s why it’s so important to highlight the benefits of your position, school, or franchise that may be particularly attractive to military spouses, such as flexible scheduling, remote work options, or relocation assistance.

3) Customize Your Marketing Message

Use language in job postings and marketing materials that shows an understanding of the unique challenges military spouses face, such as frequent moves and deployments. A better understanding of the unique military spouse niche will allow you to craft a stronger message and put your best foot forward.

4) Partnerships

Partnering with established brands in the military space lets schools, employers, and franchises leverage the name-recognition, trust, and first-party data these organizations bring and reach a larger audience of qualified candidates.

5) Leverage Military Hiring Events

Connect with potential candidates one-on-one, screen candidates, and add prospects to your pipeline all from the comfort of your computer. Not only does leveraging military hiring events help expand your brand awareness, but it allows you to meet active-job seekers in real-time and provide information about your opportunities.

6) Offer Training and Development Opportunities

Offering military spouse-specific training and development opportunities isn’t only a huge draw for potential employers or students, but it allows them to build their skills, advance their careers, and help you retain talent.

7) Foster a Culture of Inclusivity

Fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding that recognizes the sacrifices and unique challenges faced by military spouses is attractive to prospects, and provides support and flexibility to help them succeed. When individuals feel known and respected, organizations thrive.

With a large pool of skilled and talented individuals, military spouses are a valuable demographic that should not be overlooked. They bring adaptability, resilience, leadership, cross-cultural competency, transferable skills, and strong problem-solving skills to the table, making them ideal candidates for a variety of roles. By offering them opportunities and support, companies and schools can tap into a large and untapped pool of talent that can bring value to their organizations.

If your interested in learning more about the military spouse audience or learning how you can start targeting and attracting qualified candidates, fill out the form below and one of our military recruitment experts will reach out to you with more information.

What You Need To Know – Recruiting Military Spouses

The military spouse demographic is often overlooked, despite being a large and highly skilled group. With almost 600,000 active duty spouses and over 300,000 Guard and Reserve spouses, this is a demographic that should not be ignored. Military spouses bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the table that make them valuable as employees and students.

1) Adaptability and Resilience

Military spouses are well-equipped to handle change and uncertainty, as they are used to dealing with the constant changes that come with military life. They have experience managing logistics and handling stress in fast-paced environments, which makes them ideal candidates for many roles. In addition, military spouses have faced difficult situations and have developed the ability to bounce back quickly, making them incredibly resilient individuals.

2) Leadership and Cross-cultural Competency

Many military spouses have to take on additional responsibilities while their partners are deployed, such as managing finances and raising children on their own. This leadership experience is highly transferable to a civilian job, as well as the cross-cultural competency they gain from living in different parts of the country or world and working with people from diverse backgrounds.

3) Transferable Skills and Strong Work Ethic

Many military spouses have received education and training through various military programs, which can be transferable to a civilian job. This includes skills in healthcare, logistics, and administration, among others. In addition, military spouses have a strong sense of commitment and dedication, as they have supported their military partners through deployments and relocations. This strong work ethic is further demonstrated by their motivation to succeed in their careers, despite the challenges they face.

4) Problem-solving Skills

Finally, military spouses often have to be resourceful and come up with creative solutions to unexpected challenges, making them highly skilled problem-solvers. This is a valuable asset to any company or school, as it can help them find innovative solutions to challenges they may face.

Why Employers and Schools Should Recruit Military Spouses

Top 6 Benefits of Virtual Hiring Events – G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fairs

G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fairs bring recruiters an opportunity to connect with top-quality military talent. With so many job seekers across the military community, this is your chance to find the right fit for your open positions.

These’s monthly events draw candidates from every branch of the service who are eager to find civilian opportunities and put their unique experiences, unrivaled training, and specific skills to work.

We’re here to share with you the key benefits that set virtual events apart in the world of employee recruitment and show you how to get started.

Top 6 Benefits of Virtual Hiring Events:

Cost-Effective: With virtual events, you can save money on travel and venue costs, making it a more cost-effective solution for your recruitment efforts.
Increased Reach: Virtual events allow you to connect with job seekers from around the world, giving you access to a larger pool of talent than in-person events.
Convenient Scheduling: You can participate in virtual events from the comfort of your own office or home, saving you time and making scheduling more convenient.
Enhanced User Experience: With interactive features such as one-on-one chats and virtual booths, virtual events provide a more immersive and engaging experience for both you and the job seekers.
Data-Driven Insights: Our platform provides valuable data and insights on your interactions with job seekers, giving you a better understanding of the quality of candidates and your recruitment efforts.
Time to Hire: By conducting initial interviews and adding candidates to your pipeline during the event, you can shorten the time to hire process.

With all these benefits, it’s clear why virtual hiring events are becoming the preferred choice for companies looking to find quality talent. Getting started is as simple as reserving your spot, setting up your booth, and kicking off the interview process. Our team is here to help you every step of the way and would be happy to discuss a potential partnership.

Schedule a Discovery Call

Leveraging Programmatic Advertising To Reach Top-Tier Military Talent

In the modern job market, it’s more important than ever for companies to stand out and effectively connect with top talent. One powerful tool for doing so is programmatic advertising.

Programmatic advertising uses data and technology to target specific audiences and deliver marketing messages directly to them. This allows companies to reach the right candidates at the right time, with highly personalized and relevant messaging. In a crowded job market, this can be a game-changer for employee recruitment.

According to Statista, by 2026, 86% of overall digital advertising revenue will come from programmatic ads.

For companies looking to recruit members of the military community, programmatic advertising can be especially valuable. The military community is a highly-skilled, motivated, and diverse group of individuals who bring unique skills and experiences to the workplace. By using programmatic advertising to target military job seekers, companies can effectively reach and engage this underutilized talent pool.

VIQTORY’s campaigns are fueled by over 20 years of first-party audience data that allows us to accurately target veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses based on your hiring needs.

So how does it work?

Programmatic advertising uses data and technology to automate the buying and selling of advertising space. It works by gathering data on users’ online behaviors, such as browsing history and search queries, to understand their interests and preferences. This data is then used to target specific audiences with relevant ads.

There are many benefits to using programmatic advertising for employee recruitment. For one, it allows companies to create custom audiences and digitally target their ideal hiring personas. This means that they can reach the right candidates with the right message, rather than wasting time and resources on less qualified candidates.

Programmatic advertising also allows companies to choose the channels, platforms, and formats that are most likely to reach and engage their target audience.

Too sum things up, programmatic advertising is a powerful tool for employee recruitment, particularly when it comes to reaching and engaging the military community. By leveraging data and technology to target specific audiences, our partners can deliver personalized and relevant messaging, cut down on time-to-hire, and diversify their workforce with qualified candidates.

Schedule a Discovery Call

G.I. Jobs Partners with U.S. Department of Labor to Support Transitioning Service Members and Spouses

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 13, 2022/PRNewswire – G.I. Jobs is proud to announce a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS) to help transitioning service members and their spouses prepare for meaningful civilian careers through the Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot (ENPP).

Launched at select military installations worldwide in April 2021, ENPP was designed to help transitioning service members and their spouses outside of the traditional Department of Labor (DOL) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshops to improve employment related outcomes.

Employment Navigators at host installations provide direct, one-on-one career assistance outside of the formal DOL TAP classroom instruction. Under the terms of the partnership, G.I. Jobs will provide virtual job fairs, employment workshops, a job board, entrepreneurship training, digital magazines and the Military Friendly® ratings program to service members and their spouses at no cost.

“Our team is excited to provide free and fresh resources to the military community to accompany the tried and true foundational curriculum that DOL VETS has long provided,” said G.I. Jobs CEO and Navy veteran Chris Hale. “We’ve been doing it for 21 years, and we know that veterans and their spouses excel as students, employees, business owners and community leaders when they are provided the right opportunities.”

As a Marine veteran, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service James Rodriguez knows that transitioning from the military can be difficult.

“Transition can be challenging, and the support from G.I. Jobs for our transitioning service members, and their spouses, makes it easier for them to chart their new course,” Rodriguez said. “The work our partners with the Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot do makes a difference, and VETS is thankful for G.I. Jobs’ contributions and impact, and we look forward to continued partnership.”

For more information about the ENPP, visit dol.gov/employmentnavigator.

About G.I. Jobs

Launched in 2001 by three Navy veterans, G.I. Jobs connects transitioning service members, veterans and their families to civilian employment, education and entrepreneurship opportunities. Its portfolio of free resources includes virtual job fairs and employment workshops, a job board, entrepreneurship workshops, G.I. Jobs magazine and website, Military Spouse magazine and website, the Military Friendly® ratings program and more.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dan Fazio
editorial@gijobs.com
(412) 269-1663 x131
or
Kayla Lopez
mf2023@militaryfriendly.com

Cyber Monday Deals for Professional Development Certifications

It’s the season for big savings and you can find discounts on everything from socks to electronics. Those are all great for holiday gifts under the tree, but did you know there are major discounts for Cyber Monday on professional development certifications?

Whether you’re a manager looking to get team gifts or an employee looking to get certifications to further your career development, VIQTORY found some great deals you’ll love.

Skillshare Membership: 50% Off

Skillshare has thousands of hands-on classes for marketers, managers, designers, and more.

With memberships, you get:

Personalized class recommendations
Unlimited Access to classes
Offline classes with the mobile app

Discount valid through November 29.

Udemy: Save up to 85% Off

Udemy has over 213,000 online video courses and new additions each month that cover Python, Excel, Web Development, JavaScript, Data Science, AWS Certification, and Drawing. Some courses are as low as $9.99.

Sale ends November 28, 2022.

MasterClass: 2 Memberships for the Price of 1

Learn skills from the top leaders in entertainment, design, business, writing, community & government, and more. For Cyber Monday, MasterClass has a 2-for-1 deal with unlimited access to 180+ classes.

On average the classes are 10 minutes long and they have in-depth workbooks for continued learning.

Sale ends November 28, 2022.

35% off Professional Certification in Digital Marketing + PCM from American Marketing Association

For marketers who want to learn more about digital marketing and further their careers with two globally recognized certifications. Learn Google Ads (PPC), Analytics, Facebook Ads, content marketing, SEO and more.

Sale ends November 28th

Other Certifications We Love

Our VIQTORY team loves online learning. It’s so important to stay on top of trends and continue learning.

These are a few online academies that our team recommends.

Founder of Crazy Horse Coffee Voted 2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur of the Year

PITTSBURGH—Army veteran James Bendel, founder and owner of Crazy Horse Coffee in Washington, Pa., was selected by the public as the 2023 Pittsburgh Vetrepreneur® of the Year.

The award is a prestigious honor presented annually to one of the region’s outstanding veteran business owners who exemplifies the finest qualities of successful business leaders through sustained business success, a demonstrated passion for cultivating veteran entrepreneurship, and a track record of generosity in giving back to the veteran and civilian community. The award is presented by veteran-owned Military Friendly® and sponsored by Fort Pitt Capital Group.

“James’ story of success is worthy of Hollywood,” said Chris Hale, Military Friendly® co-founder, CEO and a Navy veteran. “Veteran volunteers for a second tour of Iraq after being wounded. Uses his military leadership skills to excel as a civilian employee. Risks it all to build his own successful business. And now he’s giving back generously to his fellow veterans and his community. Congratulations James on this well-deserved honor!”

Bendel was one of three outstanding veteran business owner finalists who was chosen through public voting online. His inspirational story will be published in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, distributed free to transitioning service members and veterans worldwide.

Bendel served two tours in Iraq with Crazy Horse Troop, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment. He received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during an ambush. After separating as a sergeant in 2008, Bendel worked in the oil and gas industry before launching Crazy Horse Coffee in Washington, Pa., in 2018. He has since started a nonprofit organization called Help-Hard, which helps vocational technical school students further their education and entrepreneurship. Help-Hard also contributes to other charitable community initiatives. In 2022, he launched his own consulting firm. Bendel was named the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Western Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year for 2022.

Chris Ann Phillips Voted 2023 Pittsburgh Veteran of the Year

Chris Ann Phillips, 2023 Veteran of the Year

PITTSBURGH—Marine Corps veteran Chris Ann Phillips, who founded the annual Community Mutt Strut which has raised more than $2 million to support Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, was chosen by public voting as the 2023 Pittsburgh Veteran of the Year.

The Pittsburgh Veteran of the Year award is a prestigious honor presented to one of the region’s outstanding veterans who demonstrates leadership, teamwork and a commitment to serving others. The award is presented by veteran-owned Military Friendly® and sponsored by Fort Pitt Capital Group.

“This recognition is so richly deserved,” said Chris Hale, Military Friendly® co-founder, CEO and a Navy veteran. “She’s done so much for the veteran community in Pittsburgh and beyond, from building the military program at PNC to her leadership role with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. Congratulations Chris!”

Phillips, who served as Chief Administrative Officer for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, was chosen from among six outstanding veterans through public voting online. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs breeds, raises and trains service dogs for veterans in danger of suicide. Her story will be published in the April issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, distributed free to transitioning service members and veterans worldwide.

Phillips’ involvement in the veteran community spans 20 years. She established the military recruiting program for PNC Bank before founding Community Mutt Strut. She has served as a mentor for American Corporate Partners and is a recipient of the ESGR Patriot Award. She was a two-time finalist for the US Chamber of Commerce’s Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award for Individual Excellence in Veteran Employment. Phillips also is the Director of Development for Pittsburgh Warrior Hockey, which uses hockey to create an environment of healing for veterans, and served as the Chief of Staff for the Military Employee Business Resource Group at PNC. She also established the Military Advisory Council at PNC and other local businesses.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all of us that serve our nation’s veterans. It is a privilege to be the voice of those in the veteran community, no matter the need,” Phillips said. “In my role at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, I am blessed to be part of a mission that truly saves lives. My work is not done and as long as one veteran is in need, I will continue to serve.”

Phillips served in the US Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985, separating as a Sergeant. She will be presented the 2023 Pittsburgh Veteran of the Year award at the Gala of Angels, a fundraising event on Dec. 7 for the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.