ARLINGTON, Va. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota was awarded the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award at a ceremony held in the Pentagon recently.

The Freedom Award was presented by the Honorable Ashish Vazirani, the acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and John Sampa, ESGR National Chair. Accepting the award was Dana Erickson, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

The Secretary of Defense ESGR Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 and is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota was nominated by Lt. Col. John Lunieski of the Air Force Reserve. Lunieski stated, “Throughout my time at Blue Cross, every single manager and teammate has gone above and beyond to support my frequent military leaves. Their support has enabled me to thrive in my military career, which I hope has in turn has helped me thrive at Blue Cross.”

Only 15 Freedom Awards are presented each year to employers in three categories, large business, small business and the public sector. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota was one of five award winners in the large business category. Also present at the event were Mr. Chris Fanning, Ms. Christina Ricke, Lt. Col. John Lunieski, and SSgt. Nathaniel Skinner from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota; Maj. Gen. Johanna Clyborne, Assistant Adjutant General, Minnesota National Guard; Col. Kyle Goldstein, Deputy Commander 934th Air Wing, Air Force Reserve; and volunteers Chad Sackett, Jack Grams, and John Kingrey of Minnesota ESGR.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates over 52 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Chad Sackett, John Kingrey, Chris Fanning, Lt. Col. Lunieski, Dana Erickson, Christina Ricke, Maj. Gen. Clyborne, Staff Sgt. Skinner, Col. Goldstein, and Jack Grams (Photo courtesy of Chad Sackett)