If you’re a reservist looking for an employer that will accommodate your military duties, you may not need to look any further than the latest recipients of a prestigious Pentagon award.
Fifteen organizations were recognized with the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest award given by the Defense Department’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program.
"Our National Guard and Reserve members are a vital part of our national defense and deserve as much support as our country can provide,” Defense Sec. James Mattis said in a news release. “These 15 employers lead the way and we are grateful for their role in helping to keep our nation safe and secure."
The awardees are the Texas Department of Insurance, Duke Energy, Dunlap Police Department, Crystal Group Inc., AME Swiss Machining LLC, Greencastle Associations Consulting LLC, ArgenTechSolutions Inc., Werner Enterprises Inc., FMI Corp., Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Amazon, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, South Charleston Police Department, Big Sky Advisors and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Werner Enterprises and Amazon were also named to the Military Times Best for Vets: Employers 2018 list.
Each year, Guard and reservist employees and their family members nominate employers for DoD Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards. According to the news release, the 15 companies getting the highest honor were chosen from more than 2,350 nominations. They will be recognized in a ceremony at the Pentagon on Aug. 24.
Military Times contributor and former reporter Natalie Gross hosts the Spouse Angle podcast. She grew up in a military family and has a master's degree in journalism from Georgetown University.
