[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 97 (Tuesday, July 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATIONS TO U.S. BANK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIK PAULSEN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2013

  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and offer 
congratulations to U.S. Bank, who was awarded the prestigious Secretary 
of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the Employer Support of 
the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.
  The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 to recognize exceptional 
support of the U.S. Armed Forces from the employer community, and is 
the highest honor given by the U.S. government to employers for 
outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and 
Reserve.
  U.S. Bank is one of only 15 honorees out of nearly 2,900 nominated 
companies. Through U.S. Bank's companywide initiative called Proud to 
Serve, thousands of veterans have been hired and supported over the 
past five years.
  The numbers are impressive. U.S. Bank committed to hiring 1,000 
service members and veterans between 2012 and 2013 and surpassed its 
2012 goal by hiring 597 new veterans.
  Minnesota is home to many great corporate citizens like U.S. Bank who 
are dedicated to supporting those who have made great sacrifices to 
defend freedom, liberty and our country. Congratulations to U.S. Bank 
for receiving the Employer Support Freedom Award and thank you for your 
support of our nation's veterans.

                          ____________________