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Nominations still sought for 2016 Employer Support Freedom Award
Despite an estimated 100 reservists in the U.S. Army and the National Guard and their spouses on the island, no nominations have been made for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
For the last three years the Public School System was nominated for the award for employing over 30 service members in various positions, while other government entities such as the Department of Finance, Division of Customs, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the former Hollywood Theater, and the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter were previous nominations.
According to the ESGR State Committee, these entities can still be nominated again for this year’s award.
Spouses of service members can also submit nominations for employers who supported them while the service member was deployed or away for military training, according to ESGR volunteer Rose Igitol.
The Guam-CNMI ESGR State Committee would like to see at least five or more nominations from the CNMI before the close of submission on Dec. 31, 2015.
This award recognizes employers who go above and beyond in supporting members of the Guard and Reserve—from continuing benefits and healthcare during deployments, to helping with home maintenance and sponsoring veteran hiring initiatives. Service members can thank employers for their exemplary support by submitting a Freedom Award nomination.
Last year, there were 2,960 nationwide nominations submitted online at www.FreedomAward.mil.
This year, the State Committee Freedom Award selection board will select three local Guam and CNMI finalists in the large and small business categories as well as in the government sector. These nominations will be forwarded to compete with other states and territories.
ESGR is asking local Guard and Reserve service members to submit their nominations before the deadline. For more information contact Igitol at (670) 287-1129 or Norma Castillon at (671) 483-0184.
