WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense honored the recipients of the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve, in a formal ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 30.
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WASHINGTON -Fifty years ago, the United States military began to fill its ranks solely with brave Americans who freely choose to defend our republic. Ever since the draft ended on July 1, 1973, Americans have joined our military out of conviction, not compulsion. Over the years, the members of our All-Volunteer Force have been motivated by patriotism, pride, and principle—by the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and by their love for our exceptional nation.
Fifteen Exceptional Employers Recognized for Top Honor
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
ODESSA, Wash. –Brett Antczak, CEO of Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center, was presented a Patriot Award by Ken Isaak, employer outreach coordinator with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
EVERETT, Wash. – Pachomius Schmidt, assistant principal at Eisenhower Middle School, was presented with the Patriot Award by John Van Dalen, an ombudsman for the Washington Employer of the Guard and Reserve Committee, for support of his employee who serves in the Reserve Component.
TACOMA, Wash.– The Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee held its Annual Planning and Awards Meeting (APAM) at the Tacoma Marriot in Tacoma recently.
JOINT-BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. – A U.S. embassy in a region in crisis. Embassy staff are in need of evacuation. A C-17 piloted and crewed by Air Force Reserve Airmen of the 446th Airlift Wing, flies in, lands, and with engine running, picks up 39 embassy staff and takes off.
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Mike Rahm, CEO of Monaco Enterprises, was presented with a Patriot Award by Jim Wynee, east area chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.