ESGR’s award program culminates with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Each year, Guard and Reserve employees, or a family member acting on their behalf, have the opportunity to nominate their employer for the Freedom Award. The ESGR State Committees review nominations and submit recommendations to advance to the next round in each of the three categories: small employer, large employer and the public sector. A national selection board comprised of senior DoD officials, business leaders and prior awardees select up to 15 employers to receive the Secretary’s prestigious award.
Since the Freedom Award was instituted in 1996, 160 employers have been honored at annual ceremonies in Washington D.C. In 2011, recipients were personally praised by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during a private meeting. As part of the annual recognition, President Barack Obama once again proclaimed National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, noting “the support of employers across our country reflects the best of the American spirit -- the understanding that we are bound together to serve and protect our Nation.” You can nominate your employer for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award and find out more information at www.FreedomAward.mil.