Bank of America has been named a 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer
Support Freedom Award recipient, the highest recognition given to
companies for support of their employees who serve in the National Guard
and Reserve.
“We recognize the unique skills and experiences that National Guard and
Reserve employees bring to our company, and that’s why we place such
value on attracting, developing and retaining them,” said Andrea Smith,
Global Human Resources executive at Bank of America. “We employ some
6,000 veterans, Guard and Reserve members, 1,600 of whom were hired last
year. We’re working hard to increase that number, and the level of
support we provide.”
Freedom Award winners are recognized for their implementation of formal
policies and informal initiatives that go above and beyond in assisting
and encouraging National Guard and Reserve service. In 2012, Bank of
America established the Military Affairs Advisory Group, an internal
team dedicated to coordinating programs across the company focused on
supporting Guard and Reserve employees, and veterans. In addition, the
company works with these employees through the Military Support &
Assistance Group, a resource that creates opportunities for advancement
and leadership development through networking, mentoring and information
forums.
Bank of America also supports the military through contributions to
service-focused nonprofit organizations such as the George W. Bush
Institute Military Service Initiative and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP),
and by providing differentiated banking services for service members. In
2012, the company broadened its efforts by announcing a three-year
commitment to make up to 1,000 properties available to nonprofits and
local government programs that provide homes for veterans and first
responders.
“I commend and thank the 15 recipients of the 2013 Secretary of Defense
Employer Support Freedom Award for providing exceptional support to our
Citizen Warriors,” said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. “So many of our
Nation’s employers are finding ways to contribute to our Nation’s
security, but these employers stand out for their commitment to our
Guardsmen and Reservists. They have the gratitude and thanks of the
entire Department of Defense.”
A national selection board of senior defense department officials,
business leaders and prior awardees selected the 15 Freedom Award
recipients from a pool of nearly 2,900 nominations submitted earlier
this year by National Guard and Reserve service members. Winning
companies will be honored at the 18th annual Secretary of Defense
Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 26,
2013.
Bank of America recently relaunched its successful “Express Your Thanks”
campaign, with the goal of donating up to $1 million – allocated evenly
between Welcome Back Veterans and WWP – to support the critical needs of
service members and veterans. Individuals can participate in the
campaign by taking a photo, creating a video or writing a message of
support and sharing it on www.bankofamerica.com/troopthanks.
Alternatively, they can post on Twitter and tag with #troopthanks.
“From hiring practices to philanthropic endeavors, we’re walking the
walk when it comes to military support,” said Jeff Cathey, senior
military affairs executive at Bank of America. “Our gratitude toward
those who serve is reflected in our actions, and a big part of who we
are as a company.”
About the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award
The
Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 to recognize exceptional support of
Guard and Reserve employees from the employer community. In the years
since, 175 employers have been honored with the award. Established as a
Department of Defense agency 40 years ago, The Employer Support of the
Guard and Reserve (ESGR) develops and maintains employer support for
Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives,
recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws,
and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount
to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists
who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the
civilian workforce. For more information about the Freedom Award and
this year’s recipients, visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's largest
financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and
middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of
banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk
management products and services. We serve approximately 52 million
consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,400
retail banking offices and approximately 16,300 ATMs and award-winning
online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among
the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader
in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of
asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and
individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading
support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite
of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company
serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of
America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones
Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
For more Bank of America news, visit the Bank
of America newsroom.
www.bankofamerica.com
Copyright Business Wire 2013