LANSING, Mich. – On Aug. 30 during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. two Michigan employers were awarded the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The first photo shows Consumers Energy Senior Vice President of Sustainability and External Affairs Brandon Hofmeister (middle) accepting the award. To his left is the ESGR National Chair, Ronald Bogle and to his right is the Honorable Gilbert Cisneros, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Consumers Energy was nominated by Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Derek Nelson.

The second photo shows James French (middle), Vice President of Operations at E.L. Hollingsworth and Co. accepting the award. To his left is the ESGR National Chair, Ronald Bogle and to his right is the Honorable Gilbert Cisneros, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. E.L. Hollingsworth and Co was nominated by Army National Guard 2nd. Lt. Derek Byrd.

These employers were two of only 15 that were selected for this prestigious award out of 1,863 nominations. Congratulations to these two outstanding Michigan employers.

Photo Credits: U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Amber Monio