‘HIRE Vets’ Program Honors FCA for ‘Patriotism Worthy of Praise’
Jeep’s parent company recognized under federal HIRE act for its part in recruiting and employing American military veterans.
When it’s not busy building Jeeps, FCA US can usually be found picking up awards. Earlier this year, its Jeep brand was named the “Most Patriotic Brand in America” by the 2018 Brand Keys Survey.
And now, the company’s latest accolades deserve another salute. On November 9, FCA achieved gold medallion certification for its efforts to recruit and employ the nation’s veterans. The recognition was recently awarded under the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE) signed into law by President Trump in 2017.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only veteran-hiring award issued by the U.S. government. FCA was the only automaker to achieve HIRE medallion certification in 2018.
“FCA US has a long and deep connection to the women and men who’ve fought and continue to fight for our nation’s freedom,” said Barb Pilarski, Head of Human Resources at FCA. “We are proud that our connection to the nation’s heroes is as strong as ever and continues today in very meaningful ways.”
“By meeting the criteria required for a Gold Medallion Program Demonstration Award, FCA US demonstrated a model of patriotism worthy of praise, as well as a recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace,” Matthew Miller, Deputy Assistant Secretary, HIRE Vets Medallion Program, said.
In addition to the 2018 HIRE certification, the Company is a past recipient of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) prestigious Freedom Award for providing exceptional support for FCA employees enlisted in national defense through human resource policies and management tools. The Company first signed the ESGR pledge in 2008 and reaffirmed its pledge in 2015.
Currently, 19 members of the FCA team are on active leave while 410 employees are Active and Inactive reservists. More than 5,000 current employees are U.S. military veterans.
‘FCA US demonstrated a model of patriotism worthy of praise, as well as a recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.’
In addition, in 2016, FCA earned a Silver Status as a Michigan Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in recognition of its recruitment strategies aimed at veterans.
In 2018, for the second year in a row, FCA earned a position on Diversity Inc. magazine’s list of top companies for veterans.
Since 2011, the Company, in partnership with supplier Prestige Group based in Clinton Township, Michigan, offers a life-changing program for returning veterans who secure engineering internship positions at FCA US while they finish their undergraduate degrees. To date, more than 100 veterans have taken advantage of this program.
“We remain as committed as ever to support our nation’s heroes and to ensure they can be a part of our Company’s future business success,” Pilarski added.