LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Coaches has been named the Arkansas VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Employer of the Year for 2026, an honor that company leaders say reflects a longstanding commitment to hiring veterans and supporting active-duty military personnel.
The company was nominated by members of Hot Springs VFW Post 2278, who cited Little Rock Coaches’ veteran-friendly workplace culture and its support for employees serving in the National Guard and military reserves.
“Cary Martin, owner of the company, has stated several times he believes veterans are disciplined and service-oriented,” Post Commander Terry Daniell wrote in the nomination letter. Daniell has worked part-time as a driver for more than five years. “His belief is that veterans pay great attention to detail, and they are extremely safety- conscious.”
Nearly 40% of the company’s employees are military veterans or serve in the National Guard or reserves. Little Rock Coaches actively recruits veterans for positions throughout its operations, including for driving, maintenance, and management roles.
“We value the general work ethic, reliability, dependability, integrity, and sense of purpose and well-being found in most military veterans,” Martin said. “Being the son of an Air Force dad who served his country for 20 years, I have a strong allegiance to my flag and the men and women who fight for our freedom and principles.”
Certified to transport personnel
Little Rock Coaches is one of the motorcoach companies certified under the Military Bus Agreement, which allows it to provide transportation for military personnel. The company regularly transports active-duty service members and National Guard troops to training exercises at Fort Chaffee, Camp Robinson, and military installations in neighboring states.
Many of the company’s drivers are veterans who view transporting military personnel as a continuation of their service, Martin said. Drivers often begin trips by thanking National Guard members for dedicating their weekends to training.
The company has also fulfilled transportation contracts for Military Entrance Processing Stations, or MEPS, in Arkansas and Texas, and has provided complimentary shuttle service for Memorial Day events at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Little Rock for many years.
Veterans serve throughout the organization, including in leadership and technical positions. Several office staff members are military spouses.
Daniell said the company’s commitment extends beyond hiring veterans to also accommodating their military obligations.
“Mr. Martin is always willing to work with veterans and service personnel to allow them time off for drill weekends and annual training,” Daniell wrote. “Management tries extremely hard to make sure veteran drivers oversee these moves because veterans know how important it is to meet time demands and give military personnel the respect they have earned and deserve.”
Daniell said he frequently recommends the company to fellow veterans because of its supportive culture.
“Little Rock Coaches/Champion Coaches is very dedicated to veterans, and they have always been a joy to work with,” he wrote.
The VFW Employer of the Year Award recognizes businesses that demonstrate exceptional support for veterans through hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and service to the military community.
