Hiring Our Heroes Salutes Business Leaders for Commitment to Service
On November 13, the 14th Annual Lee Anderson Hiring Our Heroes Awards Gala, presented by Booz Allen Hamilton, celebrated the remarkable achievements of the individuals and organizations whose dedication to the military community has transformed countless lives.
A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Bonnie Carroll, founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), was honored with the President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. Carroll’s journey began in the wake of personal tragedy following the devastating loss of her husband in an Army plane crash in 1992. Confronted with the lack of support and resources for surviving family members, Carroll channeled her grief into action. She founded TAPS, an organization dedicated to providing peer-based emotional support and connecting survivors to community-based care.
Under Carroll’s leadership, TAPS has grown into a vital support network for over 60,000 survivors. The organization offers 24/7 support, helping families navigate the often complex landscape of available resources and benefits. TAPS stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that no survivor has to face their journey alone.
Honoring a Lifetime of Service
The President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement is a testament to Carroll’s unwavering commitment to survivors of military loss and the profound impact of her work. Her advocacy has not only provided immediate support to grieving families but also fostered a community of resilience and solidarity. Carroll’s efforts have paved the way for a more compassionate and responsive support system for military families. Her lifetime of service stands as an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of community and the importance of supporting those who have given so much.
Additional 2024 Award Recipients
Along with the President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, Hiring Our Heroes recognized additional individuals and organizations committed to serving and supporting military veterans and their families.
Booz Allen Hamilton was recognized with the Lee Anderson Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Award for overall excellence in hiring and retaining veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. This year’s award was presented by APi Group. Other finalists included General Dynamics Information Technology and HCA Healthcare.
Prudential Financial presented Fiserv with the Steve Robinson Post-9/11 Veteran Employment Award. Other finalists included CSX and Lowe’s.
USAA received the Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring Award, presented by CareSource. Other finalists included RSM US LLP and UnitedHealth Group.
The Military Community Nonprofit Leadership Award, presented by Deloitte Consulting, was awarded to wear blue: run to remember. Other finalists included Dog Tag and INvets.
50strong received the Capital One Small Business Award at this year’s gala.
U.S. Army veteran and Head of Military Talent, Strategic Sourcing, and Enterprise Military and Veteran Initiatives at Wells Fargo, Sean Passmore, was selected from among four finalists for the Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award for Individual Excellence in Veteran and Military Spouse Employment. Other finalists included Tiffany Daugherty (Johnson & Johnson), Michael Piper (Lowe’s), and Lacey Raymond (Deloitte).
The Fellows Program Alumni Excellence Award, presented by USAA, was awarded to Chris Miles of Sonepar USA. Other finalists included Tony Adair (Comcast NBCUniversal) and Heather LoBue (Wells Fargo).
