WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

The Freedom Award is the Department of Defense’s highest honor presented to civilian employers for exceptional support of their National Guard and Reserve employees. Rep. Scott and ESGR encourages Guardsmen and Reservists, or family members acting on their behalf, to submit nominations at www.FreedomAward.mil by January 20, 2014.

“I am very thankful for the great teamwork our community exhibits in our ongoing efforts to thank our servicemen and women through steadfast support,” said Rep. Austin Scott.  “Our civilian service personnel play a critical role in supporting our national security, and I encourage Guard and Reserve members to take this opportunity to nominate your civilian employers who have provided outstanding service to their employees.”

Guard and Reserve members comprise nearly one-half of the nation’s military force, providing essential services to national security and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. Supportive employers, with their enduring commitment, have helped keep our military strong and our Nation secure.

Each year, up to 15 deserving public, large, or small employers are selected as Freedom Award recipients and honored in Washington, D.C. Previous recipients have gone above and beyond by continuing benefits and healthcare for deployed service members, providing home maintenance or childcare support and offering veteran hiring initiatives, among other examples of support. Service members who have received exemplary employer support should submit their nominations for the Freedom Award today.

About ESGR and the Freedom Award:

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office established in 1972, develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. On behalf of the Secretary of Defense, ESGR runs the annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award program. Created in 1996, the Freedom Award has been presented to 190 employers.

For questions or information on the Freedom Award, please contact Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email at OSD.ESGR-PA@mail.mil.

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