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

Mendoza RM22 01
Mendoza RM22 01

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

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

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.