Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today announcing that the nomination period for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is currently open:

“Virginia Guard and Reserve members have the unique opportunity to nominate their supportive employers for the 2012 Freedom Award,” said Congressman Griffith.  “This award recognizes the efforts of employers who support these men and women in the workplace.  Out of roughly 1,700 nominations nationwide, 78 have already been received from Virginia.”  

“At a time when news of our economic situation is often told in grim terms and negative numbers, the untold stories highlighting thousands of employers showing extraordinary support to their Guard and Reserve employees and their families are really important,” said James Rebholz, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) National Chair. “Employers’ steadfast commitment deserves our recognition and heartfelt gratitude.  We are looking to our individual Guard and Reserve members to nominate their employers who are most deserving of the Department’s highest honor -- the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award."

Each year, 15 supportive employers are recognized by the Department of Defense (DoD).  This is the DoD’s highest award for civilian employers supporting Guard and Reserve members.  Nominations may be submitted at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 16, 2012.  The 2012 recipients will be announced in early summer.

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