[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15360]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING SAFEWAY FOR SERVING OUR TROOPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2013

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate 
Safeway Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, California, for receiving 
the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the 
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.
  The Employer Support Freedom Award recognizes employers who show a 
commitment to hiring and supporting service members from the National 
Guard and Reserve. Safeway was one of only 15 employers to receive this 
prestigious award, chosen from over 2,900 nominations.
  More than ten years ago, Safeway was one of the first companies to 
extend full benefits and cover the pay differential for Reserve and 
National Guard employees called to active duty.
  Additionally, in 2012, Safeway launched its Retail Military 
Recruiting project, which seeks to hire veterans from a variety of 
backgrounds. In 2012, Safeway hired 1,500 veterans, and it plans to 
hire another 1,500 veterans in 2013. Also, Safeway has instituted a 
special program to hire junior military officers and non-commissioned 
officers for managerial positions in the company.
  As a nation we must pledge that when our troops return home we leave 
no service member behind. Safeway has shown our troops and veterans 
more than words of appreciation; it has provided meaningful support to 
our brave service members.
  I applaud Safeway's continued service to our National Guard, 
Reserves, and veterans through these hiring and benefits programs. 
Congratulations again to Safeway for achieving this great honor.

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