ARLINGTON, Va. – The League of Minnesota Cities received the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award at a ceremony held in the Pentagon recently.

The Freedom Award was presented by the Honorable Ashish Vazirani, the acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and John Sampa, ESGR National Chair. Accepting the award was Luke Fischer, Executive Director of the League of Minnesota Cities.

The Secretary of Defense ESGR Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 and is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member.

The League of Minnesota Cities was nominated by Col. Patrick Arneson of the Army Reserve. Arneson stated, "Working for an organization that actively supports Guard and Reserve members is invaluable. The League’s commitment not only honors our service but also recognizes the unique skills and perspectives we bring to the workforce. It's a privilege to be part of an organization that truly values and invests in its service member employees.”

Only 15 Freedom Awards are presented each year to employers in three categories, large business, small business, and the public sector. The League of Minnesota Cities was one of five award winners in the public sector category. Also present at the event were Mr. Daniel Greensweig, Mr. Ryan Zipf and Col. Patrick Arneson from the League of Minnesota Cities; Maj. Gen. Johanna Clyborne, Assistant Adjutant General, Minnesota National Guard; and volunteers Chad Sackett, Jack Grams, and John Kingrey of Minnesota ESGR.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates over 52 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Jack Grams, Maj. Gen. Clyborne, Luke Fischer, Col. Arneson, Daniel Greensweig, Ryan Zipf and Chad Sackett (Photo courtesy of Chad Sackett)