WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense announced today the 15 recipients of the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. “These outstanding employers have not only earned this award, they have earned this nation’s gratitude," said Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “I am truly honored to recognize these 15 organizations for their unwavering support of our military men and women and their families. Their accomplishments are a vital piece of our national defense and a high standard toward which all employers of Guard and Reserve members should strive.” The 2015 Freedom Award recipients below will be honored at a ceremony in the Pentagon Aug. 21: EmployerLocationNominator’s Branch of Service Black Hills CorporationRapid City, SDArmy National Guard Boise Fire DepartmentBoise, IDMarine Corps Reserve BP America, Inc.Houston, TXArmy National Guard Cardinal HealthDublin, OHArmy National Guard CignaBloomfield, CTAir National Guard City of GlendaleGlendale, AZNavy Reserve City of ShawneeShawnee, KSArmy Reserve College of the OzarksPoint Lookout, MOArmy National Guard CVS HealthWoonsocket, RIAir National Guard Devon EnergyOklahoma City, OKAir National Guard Dr. Joe A. Jackson, MD, PLLCBiloxi, MSArmy National Guard Neil, Dymott, Frank, McFall, Trexler, McCabe & Hudson APLCSan Diego, CANavy Reserve Snell & Wilmer LLPPhoenix, AZMarine Corps Reserve Town of HinghamHingham, MANavy Reserve Walt Disney CompanyBurbank, CAAir National Guard The 2015 recipients were selected from 2,960 nominations received from guardsmen and reservists for going far beyond what the federal law requires to support their military employees. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 205 employers have been honored with the award. For more information about the Freedom Award and this year’s recipients, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To learn more about ESGR, visit www.ESGR.mil.