he's wrong, you'll get them next jan.

they must of messed something up in your case.

I was hired in July and received mine in January.

Can the buddy passes be used by anyone? i.e., a guest or friend?

I doubt it, although I was incorrect. One must have six months of service, not one year, on January 1 to receive vacation passes. See GG PASS VAC:

ACTIVE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 6 MONTHS COMPANY
SERVICE IN JANUARY ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THAT YEARS
VACATION EPASS ALLOTMENT.

So if your DOH is truly July, it seems they made in error in your case, albeit one in your favor.

Well, that's the first mistake I've made all day. And thanks for making me a "he."