JBER members honor Alaskan company with national military support award

  • Published
  • 477th Fighter Group, Public Affairs

Alaska Airlines was one of only 15 companies to be honored with the 2016 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award from more than 2,420 nominations nation-wide.

The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of employees who also serve in the Guard and Reserve.
The Alaska-based airline was nominated by two of its employees who also serve at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Air Force reservist Maj. Caleb Haley and Army National Guard member Staff Sgt. Paul Miller, who cited Alaska Airline’s respect and dedication for military members in their nomination packages.

Alaska Airlines goes beyond allowing military members to board first. According to Haley, who works for the airline as a first officer, the company coordinates flights home for fallen warriors, sponsors veteran flights to national monuments and provides encouragement for its military employees behind the scenes.

In order to be nominated for the Freedom Award the company must employ at least 500 individuals, and the service member must currently be employed by the nominated company. On August 26, Haley will join representatives from Alaska Airlines in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon for an awards ceremony hosted by the Secretary of Defense in their honor.

Maj. Haley, an F-22 Raptor pilot for the 302nd Fighter Squadron, is currently assigned to the 477th Fighter Group at JBER. Haley has been serving in the military for 14 years, and has participated in 10 Red Flag Exercises for the Air Force, where many different components of the military, and counterpart from around the world come together to develop their combat capabilities. Major Haley was recognized as the 2014 Field Grade Officer of the Year for the 477th Fighter Group.

ESGR Freedom Award information :
http://www.esgr.mil/employer-awards/secdef-employer-support-freedom-award.aspx

High Res Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132118681@N08/albums/72157672399157036




For more information , contact the 477th Fighter Group public affairs office at 907-551-0477.