During a ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of Schnieder National's military recruitment program, the company announced plans to hire 650 current and former military members across the country in 2012.


"Our military personnel-and those coming back as veterans-are well trained, well prepared, dedicated, committed and they understand discipline and organization and are a great asset to our employers," said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who attended the ceremony, held at Schneider's Green Bay, Wis., headquarters. "This is something we've been pushing this year, but you've been pushing it for two decades."

Immediately following the ceremony, Gov. Walker read a proclamation declaring April 4, 2012, as Schneider National Hire a Hero Day.

In 1935 Schneider National was founded by longtime National Guardsman Al Schneider. Shortly thereafter, Schneider recruited fellow Guardsmen to work at his growing business - beginning the company's tradition of supporting military members and veterans by providing them with jobs. In 1992, the company created a formal military recruitment program.

Through the years, Schneider has developed a number of programs for current and former military personnel, including the Military Apprenticeship Program. Through the program, military members who become truck drivers are eligible to earn up to $1,069 per month in VA education benefits in their first year, in addition to their Schneider pay check

Schneider has received numerous national, state and armed service awards. This year alone, Schneider National was named to G.I. Jobs magazine's annual list of Top Military-Friendly Employers for the sixth consecutive year. It was also named to Civilianjobs.com's annual Most Valuable Employers for Military list for the second consecutive year.