Each year, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), honors 15 employers across the nation with the Freedom Award for their outstanding support of their National Guard and Reserve employees and their families.

The nomination process is open to all Guard and Reserve personnel and their families and applications are submitted online to ESGR. A national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials and business leaders selects the award recipients.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve Service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflicts through mediation.

Secretary of Defense William Perry authorized the first award in 1996 and presented it to Schneider National, McDonnell Douglas, United Parcel Service Central Florida District, Tektronix Inc. and National Life of Vermont.

In the years since, over 100 employers have received this prestigious award. Today, 15 awards are presented each year to employers in three categories, big business, small business and the public sector.

The nomination season is open until Jan. 19. To nominate an employer or to learn more about the Freedom Award, visit www.freedomaward.mil/.

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