WASHINGTON – Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III named Loftin Equipment Company one of the 15 recipients of the 2021 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, in recognition of the organization’s exemplary support for its National Guard and Reserve employees.
“I am proud to salute the outstanding employers who have earned the distinction of being named Freedom Award recipients as we mark the 25th year of this highly coveted recognition,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve make significant contributions to our communities and our national security through their civilian and military careers. We owe a debt of gratitude to these exemplary employers, who by valuing and supporting their employees’ military service, enhance the strength, readiness, and diversity of our National Guard and Reserve forces.”
Loftin Equipment Company, along with 14 other recipients were selected from 3,382 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists highlighting how their civilian employers went far beyond what the federal law requires to support them. Celebrating its 25th year, the Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 310 honorees to date.
Loftin Equipment Company supports their military employees by providing robust USERRA training for all company human resources professionals, managers, and supervisors, and prioritizing the hiring of National Guard and Reserve service members. In addition, company leaders recognize National Guard and Reserve employees at special events and ceremonies, highlighting their military service.
“Throughout my eight years as a Loftin employee, the Loftin family has made evident their commitment to making a home for citizen airmen and soldiers, as well as other service members retiring or separating from active duty, to start their new careers,” said Air National Guard Master Sgt. Andrew Van Noy, who nominated the company for the award. “Loftin has unconditionally supported me and my family over the course of one deployment and countless other temporary duty assignments, both here and abroad. I am endlessly grateful to Loftins’ for the unshakeable support demonstrated to me and the other Guard and Reserve members lucky enough to work with them.”
Loftin’s founder, Mark Loftin, and president, Chuck Loftin, underscored how important National Guard and Reserve members are to their workforce. “It’s an honor and a privilege for the Loftin family to be in a position to provide career opportunities for our men and women in uniform,” said the Loftins. “The sacrifices they have made to our great country and something greater than themselves is what motivates us to get better every day. We are humbled to receive the Freedom Award but even more grateful to have American heroes to work alongside every day.”
The award will be presented to Loftin Equipment Company by Daniel Irving, Chair of the Arizona ESGR State Committee.
For more information about the Freedom Award and this year’s Freedom Award recipients, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, 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.