ARLINGTON, Va. & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 25, 2013--
U.S. Bank has been named a 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support
Freedom Award honoree, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) highest
recognition given to employers for their support of employees who are
serving in the National Guard and Reserve. The award was announced by
the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a DoD office.
U.S. Bank was one of nearly 2,900 companies nominated, one of only 30
finalists and one of only 15 honorees.
“This recognition by the Department of Defense is an incredible honor,”
said Richard Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), the parent company of U.S. Bank. “We are
grateful for the service provided by members of the military, and our
employees who are serving in the National Guard and Reserve. They help
protect our freedom and keep our nation safe.”
Nominated by an employee Air Force Reservist, Col. Michael Ott, U.S.
Bank supports Guard and Reserve employees through the Proud to Serve
program, a company-wide initiative focused on hiring and supporting
service members and their families. U.S. Bank committed to hiring 1,000
service members and veterans between 2012 and 2013. The company
surpassed its 2012 goal by hiring 597 new veterans. The nominator also
reported that U.S. Bank provides two weeks of additional paid leave to
family members impacted by a deployment, among other military support
policies.
"I commend and thank the 15 recipients of the 2013 Secretary of Defense
Employer Support Freedom Award for providing exceptional support to our
Citizen Warriors," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. "So many of our
Nation’s employers are finding ways to contribute to our Nation’s
security, but these employers stand out for their commitment to our
Guardsmen and Reservists. They have the gratitude and thanks of the
entire Department of Defense."
The 2013 recipients will be honored at the 18th annual Secretary of
Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on
September 26. A complete list of Freedom Award honorees is available at www.FreedomAward.mil.
About ESGR and the Freedom Award
The Freedom Award was
instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional
support from the employer community. In the years since, 175 employers
have been honored with the award. ESGR develops and maintains employer
support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant
initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of
applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and
employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of
Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and
proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, please contact
Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 571-372-0705 or by email at ESGR-PA@osd.mil.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with $355 billion in assets as
of March 31, 2013, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest
commercial bank in the United States. Celebrating its 150th
anniversary this year, the company operates 3,080 banking offices in 25
states and 5,056 ATMs. The bank provides a comprehensive line of
banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment
services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S.
Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.
Source: U.S. Bank
Tom Joyce, U.S. Bank Public Relations
(612) 303-3167, thomas.joyce@usbank.com