Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has committed to hiring 1,000 military veterans over the next three years.

In an announcement made July 27, the tiremaker joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes program, which aims to gain full employment for 500,000 veterans by the end of 2014.

Goodyear did not specify where it will concentrate its hiring efforts, but did say that its managers and supervisors will have the tools necessary “to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.”

James Rebholz, employer support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) national chairman, joined Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear’s North American tire unit, in making the announcement at Goodyear headquarters in Akron.

McClellan said Goodyear also supports “the military through our charitable contributions such as the ‘Goodyear Gives Back’ program, which generates support and donations for the ‘Support Our Troops’ non-profit organization.”

“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 Lt. Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of the U.S. Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program. “Goodyear clearly recognizes 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.”