Freedom Award nomination season opens Nov. 1 Published Oct. 24, 2012 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Air Force Reservists are encouraged to nominate civilian employers for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to supportive employers of Guard and Reserve personnel. Nominations must come from the military member employed by the organization he or she is nominating, or from a family member. Nomination season opens Nov. 1. For more information, visit www.freedomaward.mil.