WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nevada National Guard Brigadier Generals Frank Gonzales and Bob Fitch had a legitimate wardrobe option for the 2007 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Awards Ceremony on Sept. 12 at the Ronald Reagan Building.
Either a tuxedo or military dress uniform was appropriate apparel for the generals at the black-tie event that was attended by more than 500 people, because the two generals, the commanders of the Nevada Army and Air Guard respectively, are also management-level employees of Sierra Pacific Resources. Sierra Pacific Resources was one of 15 organizations to receive the Department of Defense's most prestigious employer award for National Guard and Reserve support this year.
In the end, it was an easy decision for Gonzales and Fitch, who both went clad in their military uniforms representing the Nevada National Guard and deferred the actual receipt of the Freedom Award to nattily attired in civilian garb-- Sierra Pacific Resources President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Yackira.
ESGR officials said it was likely that Sierra Pacific Resources was the first corporation with two executives, who were also National Guard generals to garner a Freedom Award. But Yackira stated that setting unique records or achievements was not what winning the Freedom Award meant to the company that provides electricity to more than 1.2 million people in Nevada.
"This is a factor of pride for Sierra Pacific," Yackira said. "It's the right thing to do for our employees and our country."
Sierra Pacific Resources has had about 30 National Guard and reserve military personnel deployed. The company recently increased its number of military leave days per year from 11 days to 30 days and employees receive civilian/military pay differential and continuation of full benefits while deployed. Sierra Pacific Resources is a holding company, whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, and it provides electricity to more than 1.2 million people in Nevada and it distributes natural gas in the Reno-Sparks area of northern Nevada.
"Our employees know they are secure and will keep their salary and benefits while serving," Yackira said.
The other 2007 Freedom Award winners recognized during the ceremony included: Augustine and Sons Inc., Con-Way Inc, CHE Consulting Inc., Creative Healthcare Solutions Inc., Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., Gantt's Excavating and Contracting Inc., General Motors Corporation, New Hampshire State Police, Nucor Corporation, Sodexho USA, the State of Tennessee, Turbocam International, Ultra Machining Company Inc., and Wilmington (Va.) Medical Center.
Gov. Phil Bredesen accepted the state of Tennessee's award and addressed the audience. This year, Tennessee increased its military leave for state employees from 15 to 20 days, and Bredesen authorized differential civilian/military pay compensation and continued benefits for National Guard and reserve-component military members while they are on military leave.
In the small corporation category, Freedom Award-recipient Augustine and Sons Inc. of Rose Hill, Iowa, provided a compelling story as the family-owned farm operation saw one of its only two employees be deployed. The company then provided the deployed Soldier's family with rent-free accommodations, benefits and even vacations during the deployment.
General Motors, one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, provides pay differential for its reserve-component military personnel as well as continued benefits. The General Motors Veterans Affinity Group provides support and services to deployed employees and their families.
ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.
The Freedom Award is the highest level of recognition given to employers by the Department of Defense. The award was instituted in 1996 by then Secretary of Defense William Perry. Other Department of Defense employer awards include the Patriot Award, ESGR Above and Beyond Award and the Pro Patria Award.
On hand to present the awards were Dr. David Chu, undersecretary of defense for Personnel and Readiness, Thomas Hall, assistant secretary of defense for Reserve Affairs, and Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
With Sierra Pacific's Freedom Award, Nevada companies have now secured three awards in the past two years. Nevada's MGM-Mirage and Sun Valley General Improvement District both won Freedom Awards in 2006.
The Freedom Award process begins with a nomination by an employee. For nomination information or information on the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve, go to http://esgr.org/about.asp.