Holiday Systems International Wins Coveted Freedom Award

The Department of Defense's coveted Freedom Award is an accolade the DOD saves for civilian employers who have displayed their patriotism through their support of employees serving in the National Guard and the National Reserve. It's awarded by the DOD's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency, and in April 2012, Holiday Systems International became one of only 16 Nevada companies nominated for this highly regarded honor.

It's not easy to employ a member of the National Guard or the National Reserve. You must operate your business knowing it could be disrupted at any time should your country have need for that employee. You must make sacrifices, encouraging other employees to work extra hours to cover the shifts of employees pursuing their military training. Approximately one million Americans serve in the National Guard and the National Reserve. That's nearly 50 percent of all Americans who serve in the military.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was first established as a separate agency within the Department of Defense 40 years ago. In addition to the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for which Holiday Systems International was nominated, ESGR sponsors three other awards:

• The Patriot Award honors workplace supervisors for support of Guard and Reserve members. Candidates for this award must be nominated by member of the Guard or Reserve or by one of his or her family members.

• The Above and Beyond Award recognizes state level employers who've demonstrated strong support for the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Candidates for this award are nominated by ESGR field representatives.

• The Pro Patria Award honors leadership and personnel policies within businesses that give additional support to Guard and Reserve members that exceed regulatory stipulations.

In addition to honoring employers, ESGR also operates ombudsman services to help mediate workplace disagreements in situations where military obligations put Guards and Reservists at odds with the responsibilities of their civilian workplaces. In 2008, ESGR ombudsmen mediated over 2,600 cases and achieved resolution in over 70 percent of them.