The PMO Squad Receives HIRE Vets Award Third Year in a Row

When it comes to government programs, the  Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act) is relatively new. As its name implies, it was enacted by Congress in 2017; introduced as the HIRE Vets Medallion Program in 2018 with early recognition of applicants; and officially launched in 2019. Why is this important? Because The PMO Squad has received this important award for three years in a row, beginning with our first in 2021, then 2022, and most recently in November 2023. 

What is HIRE? 

You can read the entire Act here, but the TLDR version is: 

“The HIRE program recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans. Employer-applicants meeting criteria established in the rule will receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.” As described in the Act, there are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold. For each award, the employer must satisfy a set of criteria.”  

The PMO Squad has received the platinum award tier for small employers, which is much more stringent than the gold award tier. 

How Do You Qualify? 

There are several criteria that must be met in order to qualify for this award, including: 

• The percentage of new hires during the previous year that are veterans. 
• The percentage of veteran employees retained for a period of at least 12 months. 
• The percentage of employees who are veterans. 
• Provisions of an employee organization to assist new veterans with integration including coaching and mentoring. 

• Provision of programs to enhance the leadership skills of veteran employees during their employment. 
• And more. 

We’re glad to say that The PMO Squad has met these criteria and has been instrumental in helping veterans find employment. 

And That’s Not All 

The PMO Squad’s founder Joe Pusz is also the co-founder of The Veteran Project Managers Mentor Alliance (VPMMA). This 100% volunteer organization matches veterans and spouses with mentors and offers career development services at no cost. VPMMA has brokered hundreds of mentoring relationships helping veterans transition into the project management workspace. 

Please contact VPMMA if you are a Veteran that is looking for a mentor or someone who can be a mentor to help Veterans. 

The PMO Squad is honored to receive the HIRE Vets Medallion Award for the third year in a row, and we’ll continue to look for ways to support our veterans as they transition from active duty to civilian life!