Goodyear supports US military with vet employment scheme

Goodyear intends to hire 1,000 ex-US military personnel over the coming three years, a measure that will contribute towards the US Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring 500,000 Heroes” programme, a government-led incentive scheme aimed at finding jobs for half a million military veterans and their spouses by the end of 2014. Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear’s North American tyre unit, announced the company’s commitment to this employment goal at a 27 July function supporting Veteran and Reservist employment at Goodyear. McClellan also signed a statement of support for the US National Guard and Reserve on behalf of Goodyear.

“Our longstanding relationship with the United States military began in World War I, and as the largest producer of military tyres in the United States, Goodyear products still play an important part in keeping our armed forces rolling,” said McClellan. “Additionally, we support the military through our charitable contributions such as the ‘Goodyear Gives Back’ programme, which generates support and donations for the ‘Support Our Troops’ non-profit organisation.  We’re proud to build on generations of support by committing to a goal of hiring 1,000 veterans over three years.”

“We are thrilled to see Goodyear step up as a leader in the private sector by committing to hire 1,000 veterans over the next three years,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Retired), executive director of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes programme. “Goodyear clearly recognises that hiring a veteran isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing. With every commitment, we hope more and more companies will follow suit to help us reach our goal.”

Goodyear also reaffirmed its commitment to support employees enlisted in the National Guard and Reserve. “Today, supportive employers like Goodyear are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.  Goodyear leads the way in ensuring their human resource policies go above and beyond by incorporating policies supportive of employee service in the Guard and Reserve, said James Rebholz, national chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “Mr. McClellan has sent a clear message to the employees of Goodyear that while they are serving their state or the nation, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”