Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has been named a recipient of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, one of 15 companies to in the U.S. to be recognized from more than 2,400 nominated. The award is the nation’s highest honor given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees.
In the 20 years since the award was created, Goodyear is the first company in the tire industry to be recognized.
The largest tire producer for the U.S. military, Goodyear’s commitment to the Armed Forces includes: the hiring of more than 1,000 Guard, Reserve and veteran employees since 2011; raising more than $1 million for military families through “Support Our Troops” programs, and promoting HR initiatives specific to Guard and Reserve employees including mentorship programs.
“The extraordinary support Goodyear provides contributes greatly to the readiness and resilience of our guardsmen and reservists,” said U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in a released statement. “Their support allows those troops to serve our nation at home and abroad knowing their civilian careers are secure, and is vitally important to the success of our national security strategy.”
Goodyear and the other award recipients will be honored in an August 26 ceremony at the Pentagon.
In June, Goodyear announced a partnership with Walmart on a new Support Our Troops promotion that will allow consumers to show their support to military members through contributions and nominations.
