ARLINGTON, Va. - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, announced that 138 employers have been selected as semifinalists for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
The Freedom Award is the DoD's highest honor for employers that provide extraordinary support to their Guard and Reserve employees. This year's semifinalists stood out among 2,899 employers nominated by a Guard or Reserve employee.
More than one million Americans serve in the National Guard and Reserve, playing a critical role in both combat and humanitarian missions.
The Freedom Award provides these service members with an opportunity to recognize civilian employers that go above and beyond in supporting their service.
Employers selected as semifinalists assist Guard and Reserve employees through formal and informal initiatives, including setting veteran hiring goals, establishing military employee liaisons, providing childcare for deployed employees, arranging care package drives, and granting additional leave for military employees and family members before and after deployments.
"Freedom Award semifinalists stand out for their extraordinary support and steadfast commitment to our nation's Citizen Warriors," said ESGR Executive Director Ronald G. Young. "National Guard and Reserve members show tremendous resolve overseas and during times of domestic crises. Our nation owes a special debt of gratitude to employers enabling these brave men and women to serve."
ESGR will announce the 2013 Freedom Award finalists next month after a review board comprised of military and civilian leaders selects the 30 most supportive employers. Up to 15 award recipients will be announced early this summer and honored in Washington, D.C. in September at the 18th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony.
A complete list of Freedom Award semifinalists from each state is available at freedomaward.mil.