On behalf of the State of Hawaii, Governor Linda Lingle and Major General Robert G. F. Lee accepted the 2010 Secretary of Defense's Employer Support Freedom Award during a formal ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C in Thursday.
The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given to employers for their support of their employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Hawaii State Government was selected as one of only 15 employers from across the nation to receive the 2010 Freedom Award. This is the first time a state is being recognized with the award. A national selection board comprised of senior Defense officials and business leaders selects the award recipients.
"We are proud of our members of the Hawaii National Guard and Reserves and we have instituted a number of programs and tax breaks as a way of thanking our men and women in uniform for their service," said Governor Lingle.
The Hawaii State Government provides credit to government employment retirement for deployed years and preferential hiring for members of the Guard and Reserve who have been deployed. In addition, the State held a welcome home parade and celebration upon the return of the 29th Brigade through Waikiki.
