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LMC Receives Highest Honor for National Guard and Reserve Employee Support
The League of Minnesota Cities was selected as a recipient of the 2024 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award — the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The League was one of just 15 employers nationwide to receive the 2024 award.
This award recognizes employers who provide the most outstanding support for their Guard and Reserve employees. Employers are recognized for going beyond workplace requirements to encourage a culture of support through many kinds of policies and programs, support networks, family outreach, and other investments in the well-being of their Guard and Reserve members.
LMC was nominated by Patrick Arneson, a litigation attorney who serves as a Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army Reserve. His nomination was selected from 1,758 nominations.
In his nomination, Arneson praised the League of Minnesota Cities for its support of his military service, and a organization-wide commitment to supporting active service members and their families during mobilization events, including involuntary deployment. The League has actively pursued flexible work policies and employee benefits that allow Guard and Reserve employees to balance military duty with their work at the League.
“Under LMC’s personnel policies, we have been authorized to spend time on military obligations during the work week without taking paid time off. This has dramatically enhanced our ability to perform our military duties and serve in positions with high levels of responsibility,” wrote Arneson.
The League of Minnesota Cities accepted the ESGR Freedom Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The League was also recognized locally on stage at the Minnesota State Fair and on field during the 21st Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day with the Minnesota Twins.
The League supports more than their own military-serving employees. The League of Minnesota Cities provides legal advice, training, and personnel management consultation to over 800 Minnesota municipalities, including human resources support and an extensive information memo entitled, “City Employees and Military Leave.”
“At the League, we proudly support our military employees because we recognize the important skills and experiences they bring to the table,” says Executive Director Luke Fischer. “Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to service align perfectly with our organizational values. Embracing our service members’ talents enhances our organization and helps drive our success.”