Eastman Earns Prestigious 4-Star Employer Recognition in the 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards for Outstanding Support of Military Veterans and Their Families
Eastman, a global leader in specialty materials, has been honored with the prestigious 4-Star Employer Award in the 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards, a recognition that highlights the company’s exceptional commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting U.S. military veterans, as well as the broader military-connected community, including National Guard members, Reservists, and military spouses.
This recognition is a testament to Eastman’s ongoing dedication to veterans and their families, showcasing the company’s efforts to provide meaningful employment opportunities and support for those who have served in the armed forces. The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program evaluates the practices and policies of organizations that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to veterans and the military-connected community, making Eastman’s achievement a reflection of its strong corporate values and its proactive approach to veteran employment.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized once again for our unwavering support of U.S. military veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists,” said Travis Smith, Executive Vice President of Eastman and the executive sponsor for EVETS, the company’s veterans’ resource group. “The training, leadership, and skills our veterans bring from their military service are invaluable to Eastman and contribute to our continued success in the marketplace. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our entire team in ensuring veterans have meaningful career opportunities at Eastman.”
VETS Indexes Employer Awards: A High Standard of Excellence
The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is one of the most respected recognitions for organizations dedicated to veterans and their families. In 2025, the program saw a record-breaking 349 organizations complete and submit surveys to be considered for the award. Of those, VETS Indexes recognized 294 companies across various award levels, including 5-Star Employer, 4-Star Employer, 3-Star Employer, and Recognized Employer.
The awards recognize organizations that stand out in their commitment to creating inclusive workplaces for veterans, military spouses, and military families. The rigorous survey process analyzes employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes in five key categories that are crucial to supporting veteran employees:
- Veteran Job Candidate Recruiting and Hiring – The ability to actively recruit and hire veterans into meaningful positions.
- Veteran Employee Development and Retention – Initiatives and programs designed to foster the growth and long-term success of veterans in the workplace.
- Veteran-Inclusive Policies and Culture – Creating a workplace culture that values and includes veterans, ensuring their skills are utilized effectively.
- Support for Members of the National Guard and Reserves – Offering unique resources for those who serve in the National Guard and Reserves, ensuring their transition to civilian work is smooth.
- Military Spouse/Family Support – Providing tangible support for military families, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program emphasizes that it is not just about hiring veterans but ensuring they thrive and are supported throughout their careers. This comprehensive approach to employee well-being and success is a hallmark of Eastman’s program, placing the company in the top tier of veteran-friendly employers.
Eastman’s Longstanding Commitment to Veterans
Eastman’s recognition with the 4-Star Employer Award comes as a result of its sustained and comprehensive efforts to create a military-friendly workplace. The company’s EVETS resource group, which is designed to provide support and networking opportunities for veterans and their families, plays a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming environment for those who have served in the armed forces.
“Veterans possess invaluable skills and leadership qualities that translate directly into success in the workplace,” said George Altman, President of VETS Indexes. “Eastman has demonstrated exceptional dedication to recruiting, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans, making it one of the premier veteran employers in the country. Eastman’s efforts can serve as a model for other organizations seeking to integrate veterans into their workforce and help them succeed.”
At Eastman, the dedication to military veterans goes beyond the initial hiring process. The company offers robust development programs designed to help veteran employees grow and advance in their careers. Through mentorship, leadership training, and continued professional development opportunities, Eastman ensures that veterans have the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles and reach their full potential.
Eastman’s veterans’ resource group (EVETS) provides a strong support network for veterans, offering a sense of community within the organization. This group hosts events, provides professional development opportunities, and ensures that veterans’ voices are heard within the company. Additionally, EVETS works with Eastman’s leadership team to ensure that veterans’ needs are met and their contributions are valued.
A Growing Focus on Veteran Employment Across Industries
As more organizations across the United States recognize the unique and valuable skills that military veterans bring to the workforce, Eastman has consistently demonstrated its leadership in veteran employment. The company’s efforts to recruit veterans into meaningful roles, support their career growth, and integrate them into the company’s culture have positioned Eastman as a leader in this space.
While many organizations now recognize the importance of hiring veterans, Eastman stands out for its holistic approach to veteran support. From recruitment to retention, Eastman has developed a comprehensive strategy that ensures veterans are not just hired, but are given the resources and support they need to succeed in their careers. This approach sets Eastman apart as one of the best veteran employers in the nation.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a wide array of products used in everyday items across various industries. With a core mission to enhance the quality of life in a material way, Eastman partners with customers to deliver innovative solutions while maintaining a firm commitment to safety, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. The company’s broad portfolio includes products used in industries such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables, among others.
Eastman’s innovation-driven growth model leverages cutting-edge technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to strengthen its position in key end markets. The company’s global workforce of approximately 14,000 employees serves customers in more than 100 countries. In 2024, Eastman reported revenue of approximately $9.4 billion, underscoring the company’s strong financial performance and continued success.
Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, Eastman continues to prioritize diversity and inclusion, including a strong commitment to military veterans and their families. The company’s recognition by VETS Indexes serves as a testament to the success of its inclusive workplace practices and its ongoing dedication to supporting the U.S. military community.
For more information about Eastman and its commitment to veterans, visit www.eastman.com.
About VETS Indexes
VETS Indexes is a leading authority on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards and other key initiatives that support the employment of U.S. veterans. In addition to the Employer Awards, VETS Indexes hosts the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, conducts research through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service, and develops custom indexes that track the performance of publicly traded companies recognized for their efforts to support veteran employment.
VETS Indexes aims to highlight and reward companies that are dedicated to improving the lives of military veterans by creating meaningful career opportunities and fostering inclusive work environments. The organization’s mission is to ensure that the skills and contributions of veterans are recognized and valued across industries, helping to create a more veteran-friendly workforce nationwide.
