Military & Veterans

United States Department of Defense National Employer Support Freedom Award

Every year, the US Department of Defense honors 15 recipients with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest US government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. In 2019, West Valley City was one of only 15 to receive this honor and one of only two government entities to win the award. This award spotlights West Valley City as an organization that truly supports its military employees.

This award continues a longstanding tradition of recognition and programming offered by West Valley City for our military. Over the past few years, West Valley City has been the first Utah city to host the Vietnam Wall that Heals national exhibit and the 9/11 Towers to Tunnels exhibit. West Valley City also hosts an expansive dinner and program on Veterans Day.

On August 23, 2019, West Valley City was honored, along with the other 14 recipients, at a Pentagon ceremony in Washington DC.

There were over 2,400 nominations received for the 2019 awards. The Freedom Award began in 1996 and there have 265 honorees to date. For more information about the Freedom award, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.