Veterans like Ben Amsler have flourished within Corning’s veteran community, which has earned the company recognition from VETS Indexes.

When Ben Amsler returned from two deployments to Afghanistan, a new life unfolded. He went back to school, he started a family, but he wasn’t quite sure what he’d do next. Would he be able to find a community like the Army again?

Then he interviewed at Corning.

“Within a week, HR connected me with other veterans so I could ask them about their experience,” said Ben, CET plant manager in Blacksburg, Virginia. “It was that first connection to Corning’s veteran community that pulled me in.”

Corning’s support of veterans like Ben has earned the company the designation of VETS Indexes Recognized Employer, as part of the 2022 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes organizations that do the most to hire, retain, promote, and support veterans.

“This award recognizes Corning’s commitment to those who served or are serving in the military, and the value their experiences bring to our organization. Their contributions make Corning an even more diverse and capable company,” said David Velasquez, vice president and general manager of Corning’s Advanced Optics division. Velasquez himself served as a company commander in the U.S. Army and is a co-sponsor of C-VETS, an employee resource group for veterans.

VETS Indexes considers the following when recognizing employers: veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring, veteran-inclusive company policies and culture, support for members of the National Guard and Reserves, military spouse/family support, and veteran employee development and retention.

“Our veterans bring critical skills to Corning. Their experiences in the military have strengthened their ability to solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, and lead others to accomplish a mission with purpose and motivation,” said Dana Moss, vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. “They make up our diversely talented employees, and with them, Corning is stronger.”

Corning has allowed Ben to grow professionally, he says. He has held a business development role, took on operations management duties, and tackled strategy.

“For me, it’s about finding where I could have an impact,” Ben said.

“Coming out of the Army, I didn’t know what I was going to enjoy the most,” Ben said. “I had been putting on the same uniform for four years at West Point and five years in the Army, so I wanted to find a company that allowed me to explore my interests. That was one of the things that led me to Corning.