Hiring for Heroes presented The Presidential Award to the Honorable R. Jim Nicholson for a lifetime of commitment and service to veterans and military families. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Nicholson's reputation of caring for those in need spans decades public and private service dedicated to our country as well as our service members and their families.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is in recognition of Nicholson's sustained support of our nation's veterans and military families. As U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and significantly, as secretary of Veterans Affairs, both in the George W. Bush administration, Nicholson has always been keenly aware of the hardships and sacrifices made by America's service members and their families and is committed to helping them.
The Hiring Our Heroes program, which he co-founded, facilitates the hiring of veterans and military spouses by private industry. The program has helped more than 30,000 veterans and military spouses find jobs.
"The best thing the private sector can do for veterans is to hire them," said Nicholson. "There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to take care of yourself and your family. And, it's a great opportunity for employers: young veterans are all volunteers who are self-disciplined, mission-focused, have an excellent esprit de corps, and offer many valuable tangible and intangible skills."
"I'm proud to be a part of this effort," he noted.