It's official - Aspen Medical is a Veteran Employer of Choice

Photo of Ed Smeaton and colleague at Brisbane bike race.

Australian Defence Force veteran and Aspen Medical GM - Aeromedical Retrievals and Health Logistics Ed Smeaton and his daughter competing in the Cape-to-Cape during Veterans' Health Week.

16 April 2025

In April 2025, the Australian Government Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) granted Aspen Medical the status of Veteran Employer of Choice. Up until that point the company had been officially recognised as a Veteran-Friendly Employer.

The DVA’s Veteran Employment Commitment (VEC) recognises organisations for their current workplace policies and practices that support veteran employment. It offers guidance to implement and enhance veteran employment initiatives, aiding in better recruitment and retention of veteran employees.

The activities of the organisation determine the VEC level. In the VEC, activities are grouped into three categories - Recruitment, Support and Retention, and Leadership and Public Commitment.

Overseeing the application process was Chris-Thompson Lang,an Australian Army veteran, Director of Sustainability and Chair of Vita Nova - a professional network for Aspen Medical’s veteran employees, connecting them with other veterans and their families.

Chris said: “Veteran Employer of Choice status represents an important recognition of the great work Aspen Medical has always done in the veteran employment space. I'd heard of the company over 15 years ago as a veteran-friendly organisation that truly valued military service. It's been a pleasure to experience this firsthand over the past 5 years and to help continue the legacy through initiatives like Vita Nova.

“Currently, Vita Nova has 53 members comprising 46 veterans, 4 spouses and 3 children. It serves as a platform for connection, advocacy, and support, ensuring that veterans and veteran family member employees feel valued and empowered. The network facilitates professional development, promotes awareness of military service, and advocates for policies that support veteran-friendly employment and well-being.”

Military veterans have been central to our journey as a company committed to delivering healthcare solutions, wherever our clients have needed us. From clinicians to project managers, and logisticians to administrative support - we could not do what we do without their skills, expertise and experience.

– Craig Fitzgerald, Aspen Medical Group CEO and veteran

For more information on Aspen Medical’s veteran programs click here.