Military Friendly® Announces 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America

As seen in Military Friendly®

Military Friendly® is proud to unveil the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year (VCOY) in Corporate America awards, honoring those who embody exceptional dedication to supporting America’s veterans in the civilian workforce.

This year, 58 exemplary champions have been selected for their unwavering advocacy on behalf of veterans and military employees across corporate America, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These individuals are recognized for their roles in establishing and nurturing sustainable opportunities, services and programs within their respective organizations. Examples include recruiting and hiring initiatives, onboarding and mentoring programs, veteran network and affinity groups, bridging the cultural gap between veteran and non-veteran employees, recognizing 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.

“The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, even for the most prepared service members. The remarkable support and guidance provided by these advocates to help veterans thrive in their civilian careers are truly commendable,” said Dan Fazio, awards program manager. “We take immense pride in shining the spotlight on these 58 people.”

The 2024 Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America list will be featured in the June issue of G.I. Jobs magazine, a print and digital publication distributed globally to transitioning service members, veterans and their families.

This year’s award winner representing The Citadel is Angie Rochester. She is the senior recruiter and employment manager in The Citadel’s Office of Human Resources.

Rochester partners with Joint Base Charleston to attend their monthly career transition meetings. The program assists with active-duty military who are in the process of transitioning out of the service within the next 12-18 months. She goes and speaks to them about opportunities at The Citadel and best practices in their transition to the civilian workforce. Rochester brings a unique perspective in guiding transitioning veterans because her father, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and Citadel graduate from the Class of 1973, also experienced challenges in transitioning from military service. She truly champions veterans throughout the employment process and because of her dedication, The Citadel is proud to say more than 20% of its workforce are military veterans.

“I feel very blessed to be recognized for this award! As an “Army brat”, I saw how hard it was for my father to transition out of the military after 28 years of service and trying to start over again in the civilian workforce. I can remember the struggles he went through, and it stuck with me. Now as a Human Resources professional, I feel it is my duty to try and help veterans. Even if it just talking to applicants who are transitioning out of the service about ways to get their resume in front of people or just being a listening ear for them, I know I am doing my job,” said Rochester.