DoD CALLS ON MEMBERS TO NOMINATE SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYERS FOR 2012 FREEDOM AWARD Published Jan. 9, 2012 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, encourages Guard and Reserve members to nominate their supportive employers for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the DoD's highest award for civilian employers supporting Guard and Reserve members. As our nation faces ongoing national security demands, it is critically important to recognize employers that go above and beyond in their support of Guard and Reserve members and promote their support as a model for others to follow. Nominations may be submitted by service members, or a family member acting on their behalf, at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 16, 2012.