The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was awarded the highest state-level award given to a civilian employer, according to the tiremaker.
The Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, has honored Goodyear with the Pro Patria Award. Pro Patria Award honorees are “employers who demonstrate exceptional support for the United States national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve,” according to Goodyear.
“This award reflects Goodyear’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve in the U.S. armed forces,” said Gary VanderLind, Goodyear North America vice president of human resources. “We are honored by the recognition of our efforts to support the men and women who serve our country as members of the Guard or Reserve.”
In 2014, Goodyear surpassed a three-year goal of hiring 1,000 veterans and committed to hiring an additional 1,000 veterans in 2015.
VanderLind also said that veterans, guardsmen and reservists looking to build a civilian career find the Goodyear culture supportive of traditional military values, with a focus on delivering results. The company has an employee veterans association, dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life and careers at Goodyear.
VanderLind also noted that Goodyear has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces and a supplier and producer of products and support to the military. The company’s “Goodyear Gives Back” campaign has generated nearly $1 million in donations for the non-profit organization Support Our Troops since 2010, according to the tiremaker.
