EDISON, NJ — The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) Local Union 254 has been selected to receive the prestigious 2023 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award, established under the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act), in recognition of their outstanding efforts in recruiting, employing, and retaining military veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award that honors employers who excel in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans.  The award was presented during a virtual ceremony by U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su, hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The EAS Carpenters joins 858 other organizations from across the country this year who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through military service.

“Being able to accept the Gold Medallion Award validates our Union’s commitment to Veterans in search of the next chapter of their lives,” said Daniel Sebban, Council Representative, Officer of Local 254, and U.S. Army Veteran, “Veterans are disciplined and well-organized and have leadership and organizational skills. They bring to our organization a strong work ethic and are highly adaptable. We offer veterans world-class training, fair pay, excellent benefits, and a clear path to a dignified retirement,” he said.

Local Union 254’s receipt of The Gold Medallion Award signifies their unwavering dedication to veterans transitioning into civilian life. By meeting the stringent criteria set forth by the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, Local Union 254 has demonstrated its patriotism and recognition of the invaluable skills and values veterans bring to the workplace.

“The carpenters union believes in supporting our veterans, offering careers with fair and equitable wages and the opportunity to retire with dignity,” said William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the EAS Carpenters. “We’re dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities – especially to those who have served our country – and hope this award encourages other organizations to follow suit in creating pathways for veterans to excel in the workforce.”

“At the encouragement of EST Sproule, our Council’s executive board created the Military Advisory Committee,” said Steven Stokes, Senior Council Representative and Chair of the Committee. “As a U.S. Army Veteran, I am proud that our union emphasizes the strong belief that the sacrifices service members make on our behalf obligates us to offer them a secure, lifelong career they can be proud of. The Carpenters Union makes a concerted effort to encourage veterans to join our ranks and commit to a future career as a professional carpenter. As members, they receive ongoing no-cost education, earn a living wage with benefits, and retire with dignity,” he said.

Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; and pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, of which Local 254 is a member, is renowned for its dedication to providing veterans with opportunities for growth and success. Through its world-class training programs, fair compensation, and comprehensive benefits, Local Union 254 and the EAS Carpenters ensure that veterans have the support they need to thrive in their careers and build a secure future.

To learn more about the HIRE Vets Medallion Awards, please visit: https://www.hirevets.gov/ceremony.

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