(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District- Kansas) today celebrated the leadership of companies across the county, like Sprint Corporation, who are making up the difference between the salary their reservists', who have been called up for active duty in Iraq/Afghanistan, are currently making and what they made while working for these companies.

“Congratulations to Sprint Corporation on receiving the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award,” said Moore. “This prestigious award is presented to fifteen of our nation’s employers, who provide exceptional support to their employees actively serving in the National Guard and Reserve.”

When Americans who serve in the reserves get called to active duty, they leave their jobs, homes, and families behind. In many cases, their active duty military salary is much less than their civilian salary. As a result, their families are forced to make due with less-even while their breadwinner may be off fighting for two years halfway across the world on behalf of all Americans.

“Sprint Corporation’s leadership, through their pledge to pay the difference between the active duty salary and civilian salary of their employees, has helped these families remain financially secure during these uncertain times,” said Moore. “I am proud to have Sprint Corporation’s global headquarters in my district.”

Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz provided the keynote remarks at the event, which also included video remarks by President Bush. Sprint was nominated for the award by two KS reservists, Alan Barrett and Brian Saunders.