The 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was presented to fifteen employers in ceremonies at the Reagan Center in Washington, DC on September 21, 2006. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts was one of only two states that were selected for this award which is the highest national ESGR award that can be presented to an employer. It was a very proud and special moment when Governor Mitt Romney stepped on stage to accept the award on behalf of the Commonwealth.

  Brigadier General Oliver Mason, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard nominated the Commonwealth for the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Massachusetts was selected as a recipient because of its human resource policies that truly support employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and because of the landmark “Welcome Home Warrior Bill” passed by the Legislature in 2005.

  Representing the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) at the award dinner were Thomas Boyle, Gerard Hayes, Joseph Ryan and Kenneth Forchielli.

  Pictured in the photo from left to right are PH2 Scott Webb, Gerard Hayes, Kenneth Forchielli, BG Oliver Mason, Governor Mitt Romney, Joseph Ryan and Thomas Boyle.