America's Supportive Employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists Honored by the Department of Defense

Washington, DC, October 18, 2005 --(PR.com)-- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense, honored 15 of America’s most supportive employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists from across the nation at the 10th annual 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“The 15 Freedom Award recipients exemplify the patriotism prevalent amongst American employers who support their Reserve and National Guard employees,” said David Janes, National Chairman of ESGR. “Through their supportive actions these employers have recognized that the outstanding young Americans who make huge personal sacrifices to serve their country are valuable and contributing employees. And when their employees are mobilized they want them back, safe at home, and back at work.”

The award recipients are:

Richard Holwill, Vice President International Government Affairs
Alticor, Inc., Ada, Mich.

William Wray, Group Executive Vice President
Citizens Financial Group, Providence, R.I.

Alexander Cutler, Chairman and CEO
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio

Andrew Taylor, Chairman and CEO
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, St. Louis, Mo.

Jan Packwood, President and CEO
IDACORP, Boise, Idaho

William Bratton, Chief of Police
Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles, Calif.

Richard Stalder, Secretary of Corrections
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Baton Rouge, La.

Thomas Holcom, Jr., President and CEO
Pioneer Financial Services, Kansas City, Mo.

Kipling Scott, Executive Vice President and President of North Central Region
Ryland Homes, Calabasas, Calif.

Alan Lacy, Vice Chairman for Sears Roebuck and Co.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Peggy Gordon Miller, President
South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Mark Brainard, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
State of Delaware, Dover, Del.

Jim Press, President & COO
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Torrance, Calif.

Joe Wehrle, President of Property and Casualty Insurance
USAA, San Antonio, Texas

Mark Treanor, General Counsel and Head of the Legal Division
Wachovia Corporation, Charlotte, N.C.

The Honorable Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the United States Army, recognized the recipients in his address at the ceremony. “The Global War on Terrorism has required our Guardsmen and Reservists to make great sacrifices, but it has also required the patience and commitment of those who support them – families, employers and friends. Thanks to all of you for your patriotism and for giving our soldiers the support they need and deserve.”

“I cannot think of a better measure of the leadership and patriotism of a business organization than to be recognized for outstanding employer support of the Guard and Reserve,” added Harvey.

In 1996, Secretary of Defense William Perry instituted the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award publicly recognizes employers nominated by their employees, who voluntarily serve in the National Guard and Reserve, for exceptional support above the requirements of the USERRA Law. This prestigious award is the highest in a series of Department of Defense employer awards that include the Patriot Award, the ESGR Above and Beyond Award and the Pro Patria Award.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The unique mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation and, if needed, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or call the National Committee at (800) 336-4590.

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