Oshkosh Corporation recognized for outstanding support of veterans

November 26, 2024

From providing job opportunities to creating a supportive workplace, Oshkosh Corporation leads by example in its efforts to honor, employ and support veterans. Our commitment to veterans starts with Hiring Our Heroes. Oshkosh is one of the first Wisconsin partners in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's groundbreaking program. Hiring Our Heroes is a twelve-week fellowship program that connects transitioning service members with civilian job opportunities. Participants are paired with a program manager and mentor during their final 180 days of their active duty where they work with a corporate employer to gain professional training and hands-on experience in preparation for their civilian careers.

Additionally, Oshkosh participates in military job fairs, posts openings on military-specific job boards and partners with Semper Forward to recruit service members. Networking with professional military associations and engaging with veteran referrals further strengthens recruitment efforts and expands candidate outreach for Oshkosh.

Veterans make up approximately nine percent of Oshkosh's U.S. team members. Inclusion and belonging are critical components of our People First culture, so we offer seven Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) for our team members to join, including the Oshkosh Corporation Military Network (OCMN). OCMN's mission is to recruit, rally and recognize our community of veterans and service members. "I feel very supported as a veteran at Oshkosh," said Bryan Waters, Oshkosh Corporation Military Network steering committee member. "I started working for Oshkosh 20 years ago as a member of the National Guard, and during my first six years with the company I was deployed overseas twice for a year each time. During this time, my family was well taken care of by Oshkosh and transitioning back into my civilian job was seamless. Although I am no longer with the Guard, I still see the same commitment with current Guard and Reservists that are deployed."

Military-Friendly Employer

By securing a 2025 Gold Award, Oshkosh Corporation earned Military-Friendly Employer status for the 14th consecutive year. Military Friendly recognizes organizations for their commitment to creating a meaningful impact for the military community, veterans and their families. This rating underscores a company's dedication to fostering a military-friendly environment and highlights best practices in serving those who have served our nation.

Military Times Best for Vets: Employers

The Military Times Best for Vets: Employers ranking analyzes veteran-specific hiring initiatives, workplace culture, career development opportunities, mentorship programs and benefits tailored to meet the need of veterans and their families. It identifies and highlights efforts companies make to recruit, retain and support the veteran community and ranks them by industry, state, size and overall score. Oshkosh is proud to earn a spot on the 2024 list.

ESGR Patriot Award

Team members serving in the National Guard or Reserve can nominate individual supervisors for the ESGR Patriot Award. The Employer Support of Guard and Reserves is a Department of Defense office and its Patriot award honors civilian supervisors who go above and beyond to offer their Service team members flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, care for their families and leave when needed. In 2024 five Oshkosh leaders were honored with the award: Amber Fenner, Alissa Heise, Darlene Sao, Linda Smith and Ethan Stoecker .

Vets Ready Employer

Oshkosh earned Gold Certification in the 2024 Vets Ready Employer initiative, a recognition granted by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The program encourages employers to build a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more veterans and connect to veterans in the community. Gold certification honors businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to veterans.

These prestigious awards demonstrate that Oshkosh Corporation is committed to supporting veterans. As part of our long-term vision, we're dedicated to creating more opportunities for veterans and ensuring they have the resources and environment they need to succeed in their civilian careers.

For more information about Oshkosh Corporation and our military-focused employment initiatives, visit our Military careers page.