WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today announced that it has met its goal of hiring at least 1,000 military veterans this fiscal year, and the agency will continue to focus its recruitment efforts toward this important group.

The IRS’ goal was to hire at least 1,000 military veterans during the fiscal year. In fiscal year 2008, which ends September 30, the agency has hired 1,052 veterans.

“The men and women who served America in the military are highly capable and trained individuals ready to supply valuable skills needed by the IRS, or any employer for that matter. I am pleased the IRS has met its goal. But we are not going to stop there. We will continue to recruit from this talented pool of people who already have demonstrated their leadership, work ethic and dedication,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Shulman pledged to do everything possible to increase the hiring of veterans.

Earlier this year, the IRS Human Capital Office developed Veteran Hiring, Employment and Recruitment Opportunities (V-HERO) to recruit veterans and transitioning military personnel. In this effort, the IRS is partnering with veterans’ organizations, other government agencies and job fairs.

The IRS has developed partnerships with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Blinded Veterans of America. IRS staff meets often with these organizations’ membership to discuss employment opportunities.

The IRS also is participating in the Defense Department’s Operation War Fighter Program and the Veterans Affairs’ Coming Home to Work initiatives. The programs also provide job opportunities for veterans and transitioning military personnel.

The IRS also has launched a web-based advertising campaign, called America’s Heroes, and a print media advertising campaign to recruit veterans will begin this fall.