WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2020 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
“I am proud to recognize these 15 outstanding civilian employers,” said Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper. “The citizen warriors of the National Guard and Reserve have evolved from a strategic reserve to become an integral component of the operational force. Having employers who support their military service is critical to their success and the success of our National Defense Strategy. We salute these exemplary employers for their steadfast commitment to their Guard and Reserve employees, their patriotism, and their contributions to the defense and security of our great Nation.”
The 2020 Freedom Award recipients will be recognized at the state level by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chairs.
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Employer
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Employer City, State
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Nominator’s Service, State
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Accenture, LLP
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New York, New York
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Army Reserve, Texas
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American Water Works Company, Inc.
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Camden, New Jersey
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Army Reserve, New Jersey
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Battlefield Vegas
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Las Vegas, Nevada
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Army National Guard, Nevada
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CACI International Inc
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Arlington, Virginia
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Army Reserve, Colorado
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Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha
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Omaha, Nebraska
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Army Reserve, Nebraska
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City of Prescott Fire Department
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Prescott, Arizona
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Army National Guard, Arizona
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Ecolab Inc.
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St. Paul, Minnesota
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Army National Guard, Minnesota
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Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
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McLean, Virginia
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Army Reserve, Virginia
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Lexmark International Inc.
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Lexington, Kentucky
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Army National Guard, South Carolina
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Qualcomm Incorporated
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San Diego, California
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Navy Reserve, California
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Sanford Health
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Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Army National Guard, South Dakota
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Shell Oil Company
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Houston, Texas
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Marine Corps Reserve, Texas
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The Independence Fund
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Charlotte, North Carolina
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Marine Corps Reserve, North Carolina
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Veterans United Home Loans
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Columbia, Missouri
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Air National Guard, Missouri
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Worcester Police Department
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Worcester, Massachusetts
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Air National Guard, Massachusetts
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The 2020 recipients were selected from 2,623 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists highlighting how their civilian employers went far beyond what the federal law requires to support them. The Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 295 honorees to date.
For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, a program of the Defense Personnel and Family Support Center, visit www.ESGR.mil.
About ESGR
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.