Department of Defense Announces 2019 Recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

WASHINGTON ­– The Department of Defense announced the 15 recipients of the 2019 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

“It is an honor to recognize these 15 exemplary civilian employers,” said Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. “The strength of our military and the success of our defense strategy depends on the readiness of our National Guard and Reserve members. These dedicated citizen warriors could not accomplish their missions without employers who understand and support their military service. We are grateful to these organizations for their role in keeping our nation safe and for setting the standard for all employers of Guard and Reserve members.”

The Freedom Award recipients below will be honored Aug. 23 at a Pentagon ceremony:

The 2019 recipients were selected from 2,415 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists highlighting how their civilian employers went far beyond what the federal law requires to support them. The Freedom Award began in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional employer support, with 265 honorees to date.

For more information about the Freedom Award, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, part of the Defense Personnel and Family Support Center, visit www.ESGR.mil.

About ESGR 

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

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The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education will hold a board meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 6:30 p.m. The consent/action items on this agenda include:

• Policy AD: School District Vision, Mission, and Strategic Planning
• Contract Award: Charter Contract Modification to Allow Lease Debt Financing for Capital Project Improvements: Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning
• Contract Award: Charter Contract Modification to Allow Lease Debt Financing for Capital Project Improvements: Roosevelt Charter Academy
• Contract and Modification Award: Design Build Mitchell Community Health Center for Peak Vista
• Budget Transfers, Appropriations, and FTE Authorizations
• DAC Membership and Charge
• Resolution 2019-37: Use of Portion of Beginning Fund Balance
• Resolution 2019-38: Appropriation of the FY19/20 Budget
• Resolution 2019-39: Designation of Fund Balance
• Resolution 2019-40: TABOR Reserves and Designations
• Resolution 2019-41: Interfund Borrowing
• Resolution 2019-42: Student Fees, Fines, and Charges
• Resolution 2019-43: Authorizing the Execution of Lease Financing for two District Authorized Charter Schools to Remodel District-Owned Buildings
• Resolution 2019-44: Juneteenth Holiday Observance