Arlington VA – The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award nominations will be accepted at the ESGR web site, www.esgr.mil, until midnight February 24, 2005.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 to recognize the significant contributions and sacrifices made by America’s employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists. ESGR is reinstating the original parameters of the nomination process in which only Guardsmen and Reservists may nominate their employers.

The 2004 Freedom Award recipients were: American Express, Bank One, Colt Fire Safety & Rescue, Adolph Coors Brewing Company, General Electric, Harley-Davidson, The Home Depot, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Northrop Grumman, The State of Minnesota, One Source Building Technologies, Saints Memorial Medical Center, Sprint, Strategic Solutions, and Wal-Mart.

“Today, in support of the war on terrorism and the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, an essential alliance has been formed as many of America’s employers have become inextricably linked to the nation’s defense by sharing their most precious asset, their employees”, said Bob Hollingsworth, ESGR Executive Director.

“We are encouraging all National Guardsmen and Reservists to visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil to nominate their employers for this prestigious award that recognizes support above and beyond the USERRA Law for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve,” Hollingsworth added.

Nominations for the 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award will be accepted at the ESGR website through midnight February 24, 2005. The 2005 Recipients will be recognized on October 22, 2005 in Washington, DC.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the contact agency for educational programs and services that enhance the relationship between civilian employers and their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

ESGR provides free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit our website at www.esgr.mil.

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