DoD SecDef Freedom Award Nomination Deadline is January 20, 2014

The Freedom Award honors exceptional employers that support Guardsmen and Reservists

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AUGUSTA, ME (01/08/2014)(readMedia)-- ARLINGTON, Va. – The January 20, 2014 nominations deadline for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is fast approaching. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, is encouraging National Guardsmen, Reservists or a family member acting on their behalf to visit www.FreedomAward.mil and nominate their civilian employers.

The Freedom Award is the nation's highest recognition for employers supporting Guard and Reserve members. Past recipients have met with the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Recipients of the 2014 Freedom Award will be announced in early summer and honored in Washington, D.C. during a ceremony in the fall.

"As the military continuously evolves to meet ever changing national security challenges, the flexibility and efficiency provided by Guard and Reserve members will take on an even more critical role," said ESGR National Chair Paul Mock. "The Freedom Award gives Guard and Reserve members an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional employers that support them as they serve our nation."

"Employers of every size and industry, who have not previously received the honor, are eligible to receive the Freedom Award. Service members who have nominated non-selected employers are encouraged to do so again". The Department of Defense will recognize nominees, semi-finalists and finalists.

Examples of past recipient support include continued benefits and healthcare for deployed service members, home maintenance and childcare support and veteran hiring initiatives.

About ESGR and the Freedom Award:

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 190 employers have been honored with the award. Established as a DoD office in 1972, ESGR develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, please contact Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email at OSD.ESGR-PA@mail.mil.