'Tis the season, to nominate your boss that is Published Nov. 28, 2012 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Employers of Rescue Airmen also sacrifice when part of their work force deploys. As a way of recognizing these sacrifices Reservists have the opportunity to nominate their employer for the Employer Support Freedom Award. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The award was created to publicly recognize employers who provide exceptional support to their Guard and Reserve employees. It is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Department of Defense. Almost one-half of the U.S. military is comprised of the Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense shares these citizen warriors with their civilian employers, many of whom provide significant support to their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. This award recognizes employers who provide the most outstanding support for their Guard and Reserve employees and is presented annually by the Secretary of Defense. Rescue Airmen interested in nominating their employer must complete the nomination form located at http://www.freedomaward.mil/ by Jan. 21, 2013. Editor's note: Information for this article was compiled from information from the Freedom Award website.