KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is taking nominations for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award until Dec. 31.
“The ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers. It also assists in resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment,” said Margarett Barnes, Mississippi ESGR Awards director. “We reach this goal through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws.”
The Freedom Award is the highest honor the DOD awards to employers for supporting National Guard and Reserve employees. The finalists chosen exemplify what it means to go above and beyond federal requirements in support of military employees.
“The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest award that can be given by the Department of Defense to employers for their support of our military service members,” said Barnes. “Almost one-third of the U.S. military is comprised of the Guard and Reserve. This award recognizes employers who provide the most outstanding support for their Guard and Reserve employees and is presented annually to fifteen employers by the Secretary of Defense.”
In addition to the Freedom Award there are six other awards that also recognize employers.
The awards are:
To nominate your employer, follow the link at www.freedomaward.mil and fill out the form.
The nomination form takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Click "Nominate Employer" on the homepage to share how your employer supports you and fellow military employees.
“Our nation has relied heavily on Guard and Reserve service members. Employer support enhances retention rates in the armed forces and, in the end, strengthens our national security,” said Barnes. “Mississippi employers have exhibited tremendous support to our National Guard and Reserve service members and their families above and beyond what is required by law. Our awards were created to publicly recognize employers who provide exceptional support to their Guard and Reserve employees.”
For more information about the ESGR outreach programs and volunteer opportunities are available on the Mississippi ESGR website.