More than 30 current and former soldiers toured the poultry plant and visited corporate headquarters, where they met with Tyson's senior leadership. Additionally, each candidate interviewed for open management positions in operations, sales and marketing, purchasing and transportation.
“I know from experience that military veterans are well-trained and have an excellent work ethic,” said Alexa O’Leary, senior military recruiter for Tyson Foods and a US Army reservist. “Our company appreciates and supports our nation’s veterans and we’re always looking to hire more.”
Tyson provides differential pay for all employees called to active military duty. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Tyson has provided $2.2 million in differential pay to more than 400 employees. The company also has a Veterans Business Resource Group which, like the company’s other Business Resource Groups, provides networking and professional development opportunities.
“We hope to extend job offers to many of these men and women because they possess specialized and leadership skills, and they know how to perform under pressure,” O’Leary said. “These men and women represent the very best our country has to offer.”
Tyson Foods is a leading food supplier to the Defense Commissary Agency, as well as a leading supplier to the Defense Logistics Agency’s troop feeding program. In late 2011, the company and other military commissary suppliers committed to hiring more veterans and military spousesover the next two years. To date, Tyson Foods has hired more than 1,600 veterans.
“Military men and women put on the uniform of their respective service, raise their right hand and willingly commit to defending our country,” said Melissa Lee, Tyson corporate counsel and current US Army Reservist. “When these same individuals put on a Tyson khaki uniform, they are making another commitment — to contribute to and protect our nation’s protein supply. It’s an easy and honorable mission shift.”
