UPS announced that it is making a commitment to hire more than 25,000 veterans over the next five years, as well as committing to serve more than 25,000 employee volunteer hours helping veterans and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO).

UPS made the announcement in cooperation with the Obama Administration initiative Joining Forces, a program "dedicated to connecting servicemen and women, veterans and military spouses with the critical resources they need to find high-value jobs at home." At the Business Roundtable today First Lady Michelle Obama, who is leading the Joining Forces initiative, called out UPS as a corporate leader committed to supporting our troops.

"We appreciate First Lady Michelle Obama's recognition. The Joining Forces initiative is an important and natural extension of UPS's outward and visible support of the men and women that serve in the military," says Chairman and CEO Scott Davis. "Men and women who were prepared to give all a person can give, and with devotion and gallantry, were ready to sacrifice. Veterans, who through their service, honored their nation, should know that UPS can and wants their talents and skills to be recognized and valued."

UPS will further enhance its commitment by helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce through increased networking opportunities. This includes forming new alliances with VSOs, working through government outreach efforts to veterans, establishing Veteran Business Resource Groups to ensure critical resources are available within UPS and by enhancing the level of recognition for employees who have so honorably served. Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members make up 7.5 percent of UPS's domestic workforce.

UPS is highly recognized for its support of the military services. UPS has twice received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the nation's highest recognition for employers supporting National Guard and Reserve members.

In February, 2013, UPS reaffirmed its commitment for the Guard and Reserves by signing a formal Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Additionally, UPS historically supports veteran's organizations through sponsorships, donations and volunteer hours throughout the country including at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the Marine Corps Marathon and through Paralyzed Veterans of America programs among others.

For further information about UPS's Veteran Outreach, click here.

For further information about Joining Forces, click here.