NOBLE Receives the 2021 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Massachusetts Nomination
Established in 1972, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) program, holds a vital role in fostering understanding and cooperation between service members and their civilian employers. Additionally, ESGR aids in resolving conflicts that may arise from an employee's military commitments.
To highlight exemplary employers of National Guard and Reserve members, ESGR sponsors an awards program designed to recognize these employers for employment policies and practices that support their employees' service commitments. This award program culminates in the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. Government recognition for exceptional employer support to Guard and Reserve employees. All employer recognition and awards originate from nominations by individual Reserve component members.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award (ESFA) honors employers who exhibit remarkable support for their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. It celebrates those who go beyond the call of duty in supporting individuals serving their country, both on and off the battlefield.
According the ESGR website, since the Freedom Award was instituted in 1996, 340 employers have been honored with this prestigious award. The award is formally presented at the recipients location of choice by ESGR State Committee leadership. Additionally, the President also signs a proclamation for "National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week," highlighting the sacrifices of our Guard and Reserve members and their families, and the outstanding support they receive from employers.
In 2021, Nadine White, Senior Program Manager at NOBLE, nominated NOBLE for the prestigious Massachusetts ESFA. A meticulous review conducted by the ESGR State Committee concluded with NOBLE as a finalist for that year's award. The chosen finalists for this honor embody surpassing federal mandates to provide exceptional support to military employees.
However, due to the global pandemic's unprecedented circumstances the awards ceremonies was postponed until this year. It was just recently that Nadine White was given the distinct honor of receiving the ESFA on behalf of NOBLE. This award is a testament to NOBLE's commitment to our service men and women not only as warfighters, but also as our esteemed colleagues.
NOBLE acknowledges the sacrifice and dedication of our National Guard and Reserve service men and women, and we celebrate their achievements on and off the battlefield. We are proud to have these individuals on our team, as they exemplify our core values of Innovation, Inclusion, Integrity, and Inspiration.