GM Financial Receives 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

GM Financial Receives 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

GM Financial was recently honored with the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers who demonstrate exceptional support for their National Guard and Reserve employees. GM Financial was one of 15 recipients, out of nearly 1700 nominations nationwide, to receive the award.

As a recipient of the Employer Support Freedom Award, GM Financial was recognized for going beyond workplace requirements to foster a culture of support through company policies and programs, support networks, family outreach and other noteworthy investments in the well-being of National Guardsmen, Reservists and their families.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Employer Awards, administered by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This office in the Department of Defense develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition and educational opportunities. Since the Employer Support Freedom Award's inception in 1996, only 370 employers have received this honor.

"Employer support is just as important today as it was over 50 years ago when our nation transitioned to an All-Volunteer force," said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. "Without the unfaltering support of employers like this year's recipients, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital missions in support of our nation's defense and security. It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers."

Recently, representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve gathered with leaders from GM Financial, Air Aviation and Coppell Independent School District for a formal award ceremony in Irving, Texas.

Richard Noriega, Texas ESGR Committee Chair, gave remarks at the event. "The Freedom Award is the highest honor the ESGR can give an employer, and for our three North Texas employers it is well deserved," he said. "With nearly half of our national defense forces now consisting of Guard and Reserve forces, without the support of companies and agencies such as our three Texas recipients, our country could not maintain an adequate readiness of our armed forces."

Susan Sheffield, GM Financial's President and CEO, accepted the award on the company's behalf.

"We are deeply honored to receive the Freedom Award," said Susan Sheffield. "Supporting our team members serving in the National Guard and Reserve is a privilege and responsibility we take seriously. Their dedication inspires us every day."

In addition to the Freedom Award, GM Financial previously received the Pro Patria and Above and Beyond Award from the Defense Department's ESGR organization. Both recognitions, as well as enhancements to the company's employee benefits program, demonstrate GM Financial's unwavering commitment to supporting employees who are military veterans, active-duty service members and their allies. We at GM Financial are deeply grateful for these recognitions, and we are even more grateful for the opportunity to serve, recognize and support our employees who have served - and stand ready to serve - our nation.

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