Lanny Hogaboom of Akima accepts the Employer of the Year award during Day 2 of The American Legion 104th National Convention at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, August 30. Photo by Jeric Wilhelmsen/The American Legion

Texas company and veteran win awards for hiring veterans

The National Veterans Employment & Education Commission presented awards at The American Legion's 104th national convention, honoring employers who hire veterans, disabled veterans and older workers.

On Aug. 30, U.S. Army Sgt. Kelly Norris was presented the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) of the Year Award and Akima Support Services was named the Large Employer of the Year Award winner.

Norris has worked for the Texas Veterans Commission since 2015. He is a 90% service-connected disabled veteran “who has a heart to serve and compassion for assisting veterans,” his nomination form read. Norris has placed 27 veterans, including 18 who are disabled, into full-time jobs.

Akima received the Employer of the Year Award in the large business category. A global enterprise with more than 7,500 employees, Akima delivers solutions to the Department of Defense and the federal civilian government. Akima provides services such as facilities maintenance and repair, information technology, logistics and supply chain, systems engineering, protective services, mission support, furniture, fixtures and equipment, construction, and more.

Akima’s work force is comprised of 26% veterans and 30% of their active contracts are with the U.S. military.

The commission handed out the other awards during its meeting on Aug. 26.