Neel Mehta
The Defense Department presented 15 public and private organizations with the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Awards during a ceremony held Friday at the Pentagon.
DoD said Friday the awardees were chosen from the 2,424 nominations made by U.S. Guard and Reserve employees and recognized for their programs that aid military families during deployment.
“These 15 awardees are helping to make DoD and our country stronger,” said Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
“Today, more than ever, the commitment they’ve shown to our country, and to those who serve our country, is indispensable,” Carter added.
DoD named the following 2016Â Freedom Award recipients:
- Alaska Airlines
- Albuquerque Police Department
- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
- Burford Corp.
- Carolinas Healthcare System
- Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
- Delmarva Veteran Builders
- FASTSIGNS International
- Hope Valley Industries
- Idaho State Police
- Lowe’s
- Maryland State Police
- Prairie Grove Consolidate School District 46
- Seattle Fire Department
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Many of these employers offer spousal support groups, free child care, relocation assistance, yard work support and healthcare services for the families of deployed guardsmen and reservists, according to DoD.
