Nominations Open for Reserve-component Employer Recognition Published Nov. 6, 2014 By Defense News WASHINGTON -- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department office, is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the nation's highest honor presented to civilian employers for exceptional support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves. The Freedom Award recognizes employers who go beyond what the law requires in supporting members of the Guard and Reserve -- from continuing benefits and health care coverage during deployments to helping with home maintenance and sponsoring veteran-hiring initiatives. Honoring Employers Who Ease the Burden of Service Guard and Reserve members make up nearly half of the nation's military force, ESGR officials noted, providing essential services to maintain national security and conduct humanitarian efforts at home and abroad. "Every day, employers large and small work to ease the burden on those who serve by providing workplace flexibility, career opportunities and dedicated support," said Paul Mock, ESGR's national chair. "The Freedom Award is one way we can thank the employers that stand behind our Guardsmen, reservists and their families," Mock said. Service members and family members acting on their behalf can submit nominations at http://www.FreedomAward.mil . The deadline for nominations is Jan. 15. Up to 15 employers are honored at a Freedom Award ceremony in the nation's capital each year.