BISMARCK, N.D. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) of Bismarck, was selected to receive the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Fifteen employers nation-wide were honored with this year's Freedom Award, DoD’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. These employers distinguished themselves among the 3,236 nominations submitted earlier this year by Guardsmen and Reservists, or family members acting on their behalf.

“Congratulations to Basin Electric Power Cooperative on receiving the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “This is a real honor for Basin Electric and our state. North Dakota's employers consistently go above and beyond to support our Guard and Reserve members and their families. We are grateful to Basin Electric and all of our employers for supporting our Guardsmen and Reservists and making it possible for them to serve our state and nation.”

Freedom Award recipients go above and beyond what the law requires of Guard and Reserve employers.

The Guard members employed by BEPC report that the company prominently displays its support with a banner at their building entrance, a constant reminder of appreciation for their military employees and their service. The support continues when employees leave for deployment, with the company providing regular pay raises and offering an “open door” for family members to raise any concerns that develop while their loved one is deployed. The company was nominated by Capt. Kimberly Miller, a North Dakota National Guard officer assigned to the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Devils Lake, N.D.

“It really is a proud day for Basin Electric, and Kimberly Miller,” said Basin Electric CEO and General Manager Andrew M. Serri. “She’s the one who has stepped up and given selflessly of her time and talents for the security of her fellow citizens. She served nine months in Kosovo with the North Dakota Army National Guard. We realize the importance of supporting employees like Kimberly and many others when they voluntarily take on these missions. We’re grateful to count them as part of our cooperative family.”

BEPC was also a finalist for the Freedom Award in 2010 and 2011. This year, the Bismarck, N.D,-based Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson was also selected as a finalist. The only other North Dakota Freedom Award winner was in 2006, Ag Country Farm Credit Services, of Fargo, N.D.

“I am very proud that a North Dakota employer has earned this distinguished honor,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard. “Basin Electric Power Cooperative has been extremely supportive of their Guard employees. Without their continued support, as well as the support of all our employers, we could not successfully accomplish our missions on behalf of our communities, state and nation. This award is a strong testament to the type of loyalty our military enjoys all across our state and reaffirms the strong commitment of our employers and communities to our military members.”

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Established as a DoD agency 40 years ago, ESGR develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award
The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. Since then, only 160 employers have received the award. The selection board comprised of senior DoD officials, business leaders and prior awardees selected the recipients. The 2012 honorees will be recognized at the 17th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 20. 

“We are privileged to have such great employers to work with as Basin and KLJ in North Dakota, said retired U.S. Naval Reserve Capt. Robert Wefald, Chair of the North Dakota ESGR Committee. “These employers truly support their employees who are members of the National Guard and the Reserves.”

The 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients are:

For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, please contact Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email at ESGR-PA@osd.mil.

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Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized nearly 3,900 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. About 70 percent of all members serving today have joined since that time. Currently, more than 300 North Dakota Guardsmen are serving overseas while about 4,000 remain in the state for emergency response and national defense. For every 10,000 citizens in North Dakota, 65 serve in the North Dakota National Guard, a rate that’s more than four times the national average.