Mary Greeley Medical Center was recognized June 14 for supporting employees who serve in the military from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Twenty-four Iowa employers were nominated for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Mary Greeley was one of only four Iowa employers to receive the State Chairman’s Award.

The Freedom Award honors employers who demonstrate exceptional support of their employees who serve the U.S. National Guard or Reserve. The award is the highest recognition the government gives to employers of service people.

Employers are nominated by employees and family members who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

While Mary Greeley was nominated to receive the Freedom Award, they must be selected from a national board made up of senior defense officials and business leaders. Up to 15 employers can receive the award this year.

Later this summer, the Department of Defense will announce the recipients of the 2010 Freedom Award. They will be recognized at a ceremony Sept. 23 in Washington, D.C.