[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY: 2005 SECRETARY OF DEFENSE EMPLOYER 
                    SUPPORT FREEDOM AWARD RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that South Dakota 
State University (SDSU) has been awarded the 2005 Secretary of Defense 
Employer Support Freedom Award.
  The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was 
instituted in 1996 by Secretary of Defense William Perry and the 
National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The 
award was created to publicly recognize American employers who provide 
exceptional support to their employees who serve the Nation in the 
National Guard and Reserve.
  Mr. Speaker, let me express my admiration for SDSU and the South 
Dakota National Guard and Reserve. South Dakota has one of the highest 
rates of mobilization in the Nation. This high rate of service is a 
reflection of the hard work and pride South Dakota National Guard and 
Reserve members maintain. I am grateful for SDSU's tremendous support 
of the National Guard and Reserve. The university represents South 
Dakota principles with remarkable distinction.
  SDSU provides differential pay for its employees for the entire 
length of their activation and student academic progression support. In 
addition, it grants employees 40 hours of paid personal leave for 
preparation of a deployment. SDSU's support for its National Guard and 
Reserve employees and students is admirable and serves as an example 
for other institutions of higher learning to emulate.
  I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my gratitude to SDSU. We 
are all proud and thankful for their demonstrated commitment to their 
employees and students who serve the Nation in the National Guard and 
Reserve.

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