Department of Defense Announces recipients of The Secretary of Defense employer support freedom award
Fifteen Exceptional Employers Recognized for Top Honor
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2020 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
“I am proud to recognize these 15 outstanding civilian employers,” said Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper. “The citizen warriors of the National Guard and Reserve have evolved from a strategic reserve to become an integral component of the operational force. Having employers who support their military service is critical to their success and the success of our National Defense Strategy. We salute these exemplary employers for their steadfast commitment to their Guard and Reserve employees, their patriotism, and their contributions to the defense and security of our great Nation.”
The 2020 Freedom Award recipients will be honored in individual recognition ceremonies at the state level by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairs.
Employer
Employer City, State
Nominator’s Service, State
Accenture, LLP
New York, New York
Army Reserve, Texas
American Water Works Company, Inc.
Camden, New Jersey
Army Reserve, New Jersey
Battlefield Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Army National Guard, Nevada
CACI International Inc
Arlington, Virginia
Army Reserve, Colorado
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Army Reserve, Nebraska
City of Prescott Fire Department
Prescott, Arizona
Army National Guard, Arizona
Ecolab Inc.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Army National Guard, Minnesota
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
McLean, Virginia
Army Reserve, Virginia
Lexmark International Inc.
Lexington, Kentucky
Army National Guard, South Carolina
Qualcomm Incorporated
San Diego, California
Navy Reserve, California
Sanford Health
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Army National Guard, South Dakota
Shell Oil Company
Houston, Texas
Marine Corps Reserve, Texas
The Independence Fund
Charlotte, North Carolina
Marine Corps Reserve, North Carolina
Veterans United Home Loans
Columbia, Missouri
Air National Guard, Missouri
Worcester Police Department
Worcester, Massachusetts
Air National Guard, Massachusetts
The 2020 recipients were selected from 2,623 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists highlighting how their civilian employers went far beyond what the federal law requires to support them. The Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 280 honorees to date.
For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, part of the Defense Personnel and Family Support Center, visit www.ESGR.mil.
About ESGR
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.