The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department of Jonesboro, Louisiana received the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department was selected as one of only 15 employers from across the nation to receive a 2009 Freedom Award.  The Freedom Award was presented to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department during a formal ceremony Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. 

Following the presentation in Washington DC a ceremony took place on September 27th, 2009 at the Community Center in Jonesboro LA. Attending the local ceremony was Congressman Rodney Alexander who also attended the formal ceremony in Washington DC and Louisiana ESGR Chair Jack Humphries. The Freedom award was presented to Sheriff Brown again for all in the local community to see.
On be half of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Jack Humphries presented a Certificate to Sheriff Brown. The Certificate gives Special Recognition to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department for being awarded the Freedom Award.

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.  Previous honorees include American Express, Chrysler, Sears, The Home Depot, the State of Tennessee and the family owned Augustine & Sons farm in Rose Hill, IA.   
More information about the Freedom Award is available at www.FreedomAward.mil or by calling the ESGR office at (800) 336-4590.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling ESGR Program Support Specialist Frank Huff at (318) 290-5246.