2026 Calendar

 

Award Description

Each year, more than 200,000 service members transition from the military into the civilian workforce—bringing with them a powerful combination of skills, leadership, adaptability, and lived experience. 

The Everyday Hero Award, supported by USAA, honors outstanding veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service and are making meaningful, measurable contributions within their workplace. Their success in civilian workplaces is inextricably linked to their military service, and we want to honor their ongoing contributions and bring visibility to the talent they bring to workplaces. It celebrates the everyday hero—veterans who lead through action, demonstrate resilience, and positively impact their teams, organizations, and communities.

This award is designed to spotlight a veteran whose primary professional identity today is within the civilian workforce, particularly those in early- to mid-career stages who are actively building and shaping their post-military careers through meaningful workplace contributions. 

HR professionals are invited to nominate a veteran employee who exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication, and whose contributions showcase the value veterans bring to the civilian workforce.

10 exceptional nominees will be featured in a high-profile display at the SHRM Annual Conference, offering visibility among 25,000+ HR stakeholders and amplifying the message that veterans are a vital asset to the workforce. 

From this group, one Everyday Hero Award recipient – and their HR nominator - will be selected and recognized live on the conference spotlight stage. Additionally, the award recipient and their HR nominator will receive complimentary registration, hotel accommodations, and travel support to attend the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL from June 16-19, 2026. 

Nomination Process & Judging

Who Can Nominate?

HR professionals, hiring managers, or business leaders who have hired and work closely with veteran employees.  

Eligibility Criteria: 

The nominee must:

• Be a veteran (former service member of the U.S. military, honorably discharged or separated, prior and/or current National Guard/Reservists
• Be currently employed in a civilian role
• Be an active civilian employee whose workplace contributions reflect the leadership, work ethic, and collaborative skills developed through their military service.
• Be in good standing with USAA
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership, work ethic, impact, or innovation in their workplace.
• Has overcome challenges in transition and made a significant impact on their organization.

Nominations are not intended for:

• C-suite executives
• Individuals in senior-most leadership roles
• Public figures 
• Individuals with prior contracted or paid consulting relationships with SHRM or the SHRM Foundation.

Judging Panel:

• A panel from SHRM that consists of volunteers including SHRM Foundation Military Community Ambassadors, SHRM, and USAA will evaluate nominations. 
• 10 nominees will be selected and featured in a recognition display at SHRM Annual Conference 2026. 
• One Everyday Hero Award winner and their nominator will be selected and recognized on stage at SHRM 26 Annual Conference.