Governor Hassan, Executive Council Recognize NHDES for Support of National Guard and Reserve Service Members

Press Release

At the beginning of today's Governor and Council meeting, Governor Maggie Hassan and the Executive Council recognized the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for receiving the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the Department of Defense gives to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Nominated through New Hampshire Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NHESGR) by NHDES Coastal Program Manager and New Hampshire Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Steve Couture, NHDES received the Freedom Award for their support of Staff Sergeant Couture, his family and his unit during his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as for a work environment that encourages all employees to reflect on the commitment and sacrifices of New Hampshire Guard and Reserve members to defend the freedoms and ensure the safety of their fellow citizens.

"Our National Guard and Reserve service members and their families sacrifice bravely in defense of our freedoms, and we must ensure that they receive the full support that they deserve," Governor Hassan said. "As the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve says, these brave men and women bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce, strengthening our communities and our economy. The people of New Hampshire are incredibly proud of the example set by Commissioner Burack and the Department of Environmental Services for supporting National Guard and Reserve employees, and I thank the New Hampshire Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for promoting their outstanding work."

"The New Hampshire ESGR committee is proud to present the Department of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services," said NHESGR State Chair David H. Quinn. "NHDES, led by Commissioner Tom Burack, typifies the exemplary support provided to our Guard and Reserve service members by his agency and the State of New Hampshire, and they are also representative of New Hampshire's employer community and the extraordinary support that they provide. We wish to congratulate them on setting the standard of support that our service members deserve."

One of 15 recipients nationwide to receive the Freedom Award this year, NHDES was honored in a ceremony at the Pentagon on September 26, 2014. For more information on NHDES and the Freedom Award, visit http://des.nh.gov/media/pr/2014/20140728-freedom-award.htm.

A Department of Defense office, NHESGR develops and promotes employer support for National Guard and Reserve service members by advocating for relevant initiatives, highlighting outstanding employers, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and service members. For more information on NHESGR, visit http://esgr.mil/Contact/Local-State-Pages/New-Hampshire.aspx.

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