Mainstreet Daily News
Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the office of the Department of Defense (DOD) announced Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI) is a national recipient of the 2022 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award.
CPPI is just the second company in Florida ever to receive the award.
It was one of 15 national finalists that included small, large, private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guard or Reserve employee in their organization.
ESGR received 2,777 nominations throughout the United States, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.
CPPI and ESGR held a ceremony at the firm’s Gainesville headquarters on Jan. 19 to celebrate the honor.
“CPPI is honored to be selected as a finalist for the ESGR Freedom Award. We are deeply committed to supporting our employees who are also serving as active service members in the Guard and Reserve,” CPPI President Brian K. Leslie said in a press release. “We believe CPPI shares the same values as military personnel in service – commitment, integrity, and stewardship.”
According to a press release, the Freedom Award is the highest-level award presented by the federal government to patriotic employers for supporting their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
“We are so proud to recognize CPPI and their tremendous efforts to support Reserve and National Guard service member employees and their families as they pursue both a military and a civilian career,” said Florida ESGR State Chair Rita Broadway in a press release. “They recognize and value the skill sets Reserve Component service members bring to the company. CPPI is a true partner in their employee’s success, and we are so honored they were selected as a 2022 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award winner from Florida.”
Many recipients exceed the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) requirements to support National Guard and Reserve employees by offering enhanced pay and benefits packages, flexible scheduling, and pre-and post-deployment support. Organizations stay connected with the families during an employee’s deployment by assisting with household repairs, providing financial assistance and more.
“I am proud to salute the employers who have distinguished themselves by being named Freedom Award recipients as we mark the 26th year of this highly coveted recognition,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in a press release. “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve make significant contributions to our communities and our national security through their civilian and military careers. By valuing and supporting their employees’ military service, these employers enhance the strength, readiness, and diversity of our National Guard and Reserve forces, and the readiness of the Total Force.”
ESGR seeks to foster a culture that values the employment and military service of the National Guard and Reserve members. ESGR’s mission is to encourage the work of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective, and leadership to the civilian workforce.
For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, visit the ESGR website.