ESGR accepting nominations for Freedom Award

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ARLINGTON, Va. --  The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is accepting nominations for the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

The Freedom Award is the Department of Defense's top award for civilian employers who support their employees in the National Guard and Reserve.

ESGR encourages guardsmen and reservists, or family members acting on their behalf, to nominate employers by going to www.FreedomAward.mil by Jan. 20.

Members of the Guard and Reserve comprise nearly one-half of the nation's military force. They provide essential services to national security and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad.

Supportive employers help keep the U.S. military strong and the nation secure, said Paul Mock, ESGR national chair.

"Across the nation, employers have shown noteworthy support to their service member employees and families," he said. "Whether on routine duty, responding to natural disasters or serving in a deployed location, employers who encourage military service make it easier to serve.

"By submitting a Freedom Award nomination, a member of the National Guard or Reserve can acknowledge and thank their employer for the critical role they play in our nation's defense."

Each year the Freedom Award program honors up to 15 employers in Washington, D.C. Since its inception in 1996, the program has recognized 190 employers.

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

Established in 1972, ESGR develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. It advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers.

More information about the Freedom Award and ESGR is available by contacting Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email at OSD.ESGR-PA@mail.mil