The Hawaii state government has been awarded the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Hawaii State Government was selected as one of only 15 employers from across the nation to receive the 2010 Freedom Award.

The state provides credit toward government employment retirement for deployed years and preferential hiring for members of the National Guard and Reserve who have been deployed. In addition, the state held a welcome home parade and celebration in Waikiki upon the return of the 29th Brigade Combat Team.

The Hawaii state government received the ESGR Pro Patria Award in 2009 and 2010. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee to the one employer in its state or territory that has provided exceptional support through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The state will receive its award during a ceremony Sept. 23 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.