U.S. Chamber and DOD Recognize Five Businesses for Support of National Guard and Reserves

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today joined the Department of Defense in awarding the 2001 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award - which recognizes the significant contributions and sacrifices made by employers who show exemplary support for the National Guard and Reserve.

"Our men and women in uniform serving in the National Guard and Reserve make a tremendous personal sacrifice and are a crucial part of our military," said Greg Lebedev, Chamber chief operating officer and executive vice president for international affairs. "We must not lose sight of the fact that they couldn't do what they do without the support of their employers."

The awards, presented by Dr. David Chu, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, were given to five regional companies: Electronic Data Systems (EDS); BAE Systems; Southwest Airlines; The City of Bedford, VA; and the Boeing Company. These companies were selected from a national pool of over 12,000 that support the Guard and Reserve. These employers show their support in a variety of ways - donating products, providing support services, or subsidizing employee salaries.

The Reserves make up nearly 50 percent of the U.S. armed forces and there are currently 40,000 Reserve and National Guard members who have been called to active duty since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Civilian employers play an increasingly critical role in national defense as their military employees serve in worldwide missions.

"Supporting our uniformed men and women in the National Guard and Reserve is more important than ever," continued Lebedev. "This award recognizes the fervent commitment by our nation's businesses to our service men and women and to our country."

The recipients will also be recognized by President Bush in a Presidential Proclamation Signing for the National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week later this afternoon.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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