Knight Federal Awarded 2025 HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award for Excellence in Veteran Hiring and Support
Knight Federal Solutions is proud to announce that we have once again been honored with the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award for 2025, the highest national distinction awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor for exceptional commitment to recruiting, employing, and retaining America’s veterans.
This year’s recognition marks our seventh HIRE Vets Medallion Award, and our fourth Platinum-level award, following consecutive honorees in 2019, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. From 2020–2022, Knight Federal earned the prestigious Gold Medallion Award, demonstrating a consistent, long-term dedication to supporting veterans at every stage of their career journey.
A Mission That Begins with Serving Those Who Served
At Knight Federal, our veteran-focused philosophy is not an initiative, it is part of our identity. Veterans represent a significant portion of our workforce, contributing leadership, mission understanding, and critical expertise across our modeling & simulation, intelligence, cybersecurity, and IT programs. Our commitment includes:
- Competitive hiring and retention benchmarks that meet or exceed national standards
- Dedicated professional development pathways for veterans
- A company culture built on respect, mentorship, and long-term support
- Active involvement in veteran-serving organizations and events
This dedication also includes our signature workforce development program, the Purple Knight Initiative (PKI), a paid internship pipeline that connects combat-disabled veterans to meaningful career pathways in fields aligned with their abilities and long-term goals. PKI reinforces Knight Federal’s commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to opportunity, mentorship, and a supported transition into civilian employment.
In 2025, that commitment expanded even further. Knight Federal was named the V3 Governor’s Award Winner in the Medium Business category for excellence in veteran hiring practices, another achievement that reflects our pledge to ensuring meaningful, rewarding opportunities for those who have served.
“As a mission-driven organization, supporting the warfighter, and the veterans who once stood in that role, has always been central to who we are,” says Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal. “Receiving the HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award again this year affirms that our commitment is both consistent and real. We are proud to serve those who have served our country, and grateful for the impact they make across our programs every day.”
A Culture Rooted in Core Values
Knight Federal’s continued recognition is also tied directly to its three core values:
- Be Driven – advancing opportunities for veterans to excel in technical, analytical, and leadership roles
- Serve Others – honoring the service of veterans through mentorship, advocacy, and career support
- Value Reputation – upholding the highest standards in employment practices, integrity, and community partnerships
These values shape every decision and continue to establish Knight Federal as one of the nation’s most trusted small business partners in the defense and intelligence sectors.
Looking Ahead
As Knight Federal continues to grow, recognized as a seven-time Inc. 5000 honoree, Golden 100 company and Fast 50 leader by the Orlando Business Journal, our commitment to championing veteran talent only strengthens. The success of programs like the Purple Knight Initiative, combined with our long-term investment in veteran hiring, fuels our mission to serve those who have served.
Receiving the 2025 HIRE Vets Platinum Medallion Award is both an honor and a responsibility, and one we proudly carry forward into the years ahead.
