WASHINGTON (December 9) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) said nominations are being accepted for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which recognizes employers who support Guard and Reserve Service. 

            The award is the highest honor for civilian employers supporting Guard and Reserve members authorized by the Department of Defense. Guard and Reserve members, or family members acting for them, can nominate supportive employers in Alabama for the award. To date, 32 nominations have been received from the State of Alabama out of more than 1,700 nominations submitted nationwide. 

            “The State of Alabama has long had one of the highest participation rates for Guard and Reserve service. It is tribute to the patriotism of our citizens and the support that employers provide for their activities. The Freedom Award recognizes the important partnership role played by our employers and their contributions to protecting our national defense,” said Congressman Bachus. 

            The National Chair of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), James Rebholz, said, “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 families are really important. 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.” 

            Nominations can be submitted through January 16 at www.FreedomAward.mil. 

            The honorees for 2012 will be announced early next summer. A special ceremony honoring recipients will be held in Washington, D.C. next fall.