DOD Freedom Award presented to five employers

National Guard, Dec 2001

Defense Department officials presented the 2001 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to five organizations for their ongoing contributions and sacrifices as employers of Guardsmen and Reservists.

David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, presented the awards Nov. 9 during a breakfast hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

The recipients, Southwest Airlines, Boeing, Electronic Data Systems, BAE Systems and the City of Bedford, Va., were nominated by their state Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Committee, based on input from Guardsmen and Reservists. More than 12,000 companies were considered for the annual award, which was established in 1996.

Electronic Data Systems of Plano, Texas, received the North Central Region award. EDS makes up the difference in pay if an employee's company exceeds military pay. EDS also hosted video teleconferences for the 49th Infantry Division while the unit was deployed to Bosnia last year.

The Northeast Region award went to BAE Systems of Rockville, Md., which makes up the difference between the civilian and military salaries of its 75 Guard and Reserve member-employees. It also provides medical, dental and life insurance as well as 401k coverage for the duration of the service member's active-duty commitment for up to 60 days.

The Boeing Company of Seattle received the Western Region award for support that includes an unusual network that allows all employees to get information on the Guard and Reserve. With a charter, elected officers and monthly meetings, the network membership represents all of Boeing's companies and the senior staff. Boeing also established a committee that supports the military careers of its employees. Boeing has more than 3,000 Guard and Reserve members on its payroll in Washington state alone.

The South Central Region award went to Southwest Airlines of Dallas in recognition of years of financial and manpower support to the military community, The airline established the "Guard and Reserve Airline Symposium" in January 1999 to discuss challenges facing reserve component pilots. Southwest also continues civilian pay for its employees while they serve on active duty.

The Southeast Region award went to the City of Bedford, Va., in recognition of its partnership with the Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee and its support of Company A, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division (Light).