A Manahawkin business that places a priority on hiring veterans was recently awarded the National Small Employer of the Year award by the American Legion at the legion’s national convention in Tampa, Fla.

Gene O’Grady, past commander of the John Wesley Taylor American Legion Post in Barnegat Township and an American Legion National Executive Committee member, said the honoree is CamoVets. He said owner James Marchioni “makes every attempt to hire veterans and support various veteran service organizations.