Governor Mitt Romney today accepted the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Presented by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Massachusetts earned the honor for its exceptional support of the Guard and Reserves beyond federal requirements. One of only 15 employers nationwide to earn the top honor, nominees included private and public sector employers both large and small.
“Massachusetts has made tremendous changes to make sure our benefits and policies honor the commitment and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” said Governor Romney. “I’m thankful for the Legislature’s support of my proposals to enhance military benefits, and I was happy to support theirs as well – together we’ve shown that Massachusetts cares very deeply about those who serve to keep us all free.”
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom 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. Earlier this year at the State House, Governor Romney joined members of the Legislature to accept the Pro Patria Award on behalf of Massachusetts. ESGR recognized Massachusetts as the most outstanding public sector employer for Reserve service members in the state.
Established in 1972, ESGR is a Department of Defense agency whose mission is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the National Guard and Reserve. Its volunteers provide free education and consultation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
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