Sonoran Desert Institute Honored for Veteran Hiring Efforts

by
posted on November 30, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
SDI Receives

U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recently recognized the parent company of Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)—an online school with a focus in firearms technology—Trade Training Company, for its recruitment, hiring and retention of veterans. It was one of the 849 recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by U.S. Department of Labor. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers for their efforts at adding and keeping those who served in uniform on their staff.

Sonoran Desert Institute’s commitment to hiring veterans has earned the School of Firearms Technology the gold award from the U.S. Department of Labor. As a recipient of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, SDI has proven it meets rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria.

“Achieving this recognition was very important to me, aside from the opportunity to attract new talent and stand out within our industry,” said SDI’s Rob Howard, director of military and veteran services for SDI. “For me, this was a way to have SDI recognized outside of education to validate what our organization does daily.”

SDI joins 848 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through military service.

Recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation, and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,400 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.

SDI is licensed and regulated by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, registered with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.