[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF SHAWNEE, KANSAS FOR RECEIVING THE ``2015 
                    EMPLOYER SUPPORT FREEDOM AWARD''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN YODER

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2015

  Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of 
Shawnee, Kansas for receiving the ``2015 Employer Support Freedom 
Award.'' This distinction is the highest recognition given to employers 
by the United States Department of Defense and the nomination process 
is open to all Guard and Reserve personnel across the entire country. 
This year, there were nearly 3,000 employers that applied for the 
award, of which 15 were selected.
  The City of Shawnee employs service members from the Army National 
Guard, Army Reserves, and the Kansas Air National Guard. As these 
heroes well know, the city goes above and beyond federal requirements 
in its support of employees on military leave. For example, the city 
offers a service member reintegration program to ease employees back 
into the workplace after deployment; assists family members with chores 
during deployment; sends care packages to service members; recognizes 
service members publicly during city council meetings when they return 
home; and also pays the entire premium for benefits such as medical, 
dental and vision while the employee is serving abroad. Based on these 
same merits, Shawnee has also received other awards from the Department 
of Defense, including the ``Above and Beyond Award'' in 2014 and the 
``Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award'' in 2005.
  All of these prestigious distinctions are a testament to the 
hospitality and level of dedication to our men and women in uniform and 
their families in Shawnee and throughout the entire Third District of 
Kansas. The 2015 Freedom Award will be presented on August 21st at the 
Pentagon by the Secretary of Defense. Thank you, Shawnee for your 
dedication to our troops and their service and sacrifice.

                          ____________________