DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been named a Military Friendly Employer for 2019 by Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine.

The Exchange ranked second—up from third in 2018—in the Retail Consumer Good and Government/Non-Profit category. The annual Better for Veterans list recognizes companies based on hiring, retention, promotion, and advancement of Veterans and service members.

This marks the seventh straight year the Exchange has been named a Military Friendly Employer. “The Exchange being recognized as ‘Better for Veterans’ is not a statement we take lightly,” said Leigh Roop, Executive Vice President, and Chief HR Officer.

“The criteria for this award embodies our core value of Family Serving Family.” The recognition comes as the Department of Defense’s largest retailer reaffirms its commitment to hiring 50,000 veterans and military spouses by 2020. Veterans make up 11.5 percent of the Exchange worldwide workforce. The Exchange has hired more than 1,200 Wounded Warriors since 2010.

“The Exchange embraces Veterans and the vast experience they bring to the table,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, Exchange senior enlisted advisor.

“Veterans know our customers because they have been our customers. They are a perfect fit with our mission to serve those who serve.” Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits and employment opportunities for veterans and their families.

The Military Friendly Employers list is created each year based on extensive research using public and government data sources for more than 8,800 employers nationwide.

This year, 226 employers received the 2019 Military Friendly Employers designation as being “Better for Veterans.” The complete list will be published in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.