GM Financial Wins 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award
GM Financial has been recognized with one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for employers – the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This distinction, granted by the U.S. Department of Defense, is the highest level of recognition available to American businesses that go above and beyond in supporting their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
The award is highly competitive. Out of more than 1,700 nominations received nationwide, only 15 organizations were selected in 2025, placing GM Financial among an elite group of employers whose policies and practices set the standard for military support in the workplace.
A National Recognition with Deep Meaning
The Freedom Award is not simply a ceremonial accolade; it is a reflection of the essential relationship between employers and the U.S. military’s reserve components. Since its establishment in 1996, the award has been administered by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office that strengthens partnerships between service members and civilian employers.
This year’s ceremony carried special significance, as it marked the 30th anniversary of the Employer Awards program. Over the last three decades, only 370 employers have been honored, underscoring just how selective and meaningful the award truly is.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized this point during his remarks at the recognition ceremony.
Employer support is just as important today as it was over 50 years ago when our nation transitioned to an all-volunteer force. 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.”
His statement highlights the vital role employers play in ensuring that service members can balance their military responsibilities with their civilian careers. For organizations like GM Financial, this balance is not just a compliance matter—it is a mission.
GM Financial’s Approach to Supporting Service Members
The Freedom Award recognizes organizations that consistently go above minimum legal requirements and create meaningful programs that support National Guard and Reserve employees. For GM Financial, this commitment is deeply woven into its corporate culture.
The company has implemented a wide range of initiatives designed to support not only service members but also their families. These include:
- Comprehensive Policies: Flexible scheduling and extended leave options to accommodate military training and deployment.
- Support Networks: Internal groups and mentorship programs that connect veterans, reservists, and their allies.
- Family Outreach: Programs that keep families engaged and supported while their loved ones are deployed or on active duty.
- Financial Benefits: Enhancements to benefits packages that provide stability during times of transition, ensuring service members do not experience financial hardship.
These actions demonstrate how GM Financial strives to go beyond simple compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Instead, the company actively seeks ways to build a workplace where service members feel respected, empowered, and supported.
Voices from GM Financial Leadership
At the award ceremony, Susan Sheffield, GM Financial’s President and CEO, expressed pride in the recognition while emphasizing the company’s responsibility to its employees who serve.
We are deeply honored to receive the Freedom Award. 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.”
Sheffield’s comments highlight how this recognition reflects not only corporate values but also personal appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families.
The company’s leadership has consistently reinforced that GM Financial’s support for its military employees is more than symbolic—it is an actionable, long-term commitment.
A Pattern of Recognition and Commitment
The Freedom Award is the latest in a series of honors GM Financial has received for its military support efforts. The company was recently presented with both the Pro Patria Award and the Above and Beyond Award from ESGR.
- The Pro Patria Award is the highest recognition bestowed at the state level by ESGR, acknowledging extraordinary support for Guard and Reserve employees.
- The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employers that provide additional benefits beyond what is required by law, such as continued salary and benefits during military leave.
Together, these awards signal that GM Financial’s efforts are recognized at both state and national levels, illustrating a sustained culture of support.
Why Employer Support Matters
The significance of awards like the Freedom Award extends beyond corporate prestige. They highlight the broader ecosystem that enables the U.S. military to operate effectively. The National Guard and Reserve make up nearly half of the U.S. military’s total strength, and their ability to serve depends heavily on the cooperation of civilian employers.
Employers like GM Financial ensure that:
- Service members can train and deploy without fear of losing their civilian jobs.
- Families of deployed employees have access to resources and support.
- Returning service members are reintegrated into the workforce smoothly, often with career advancement opportunities.
This ecosystem of support has been essential since the U.S. moved to an all-volunteer force in the 1970s. Without it, the operational readiness of the National Guard and Reserve would be compromised.
GM Financial’s Broader Commitment to Veterans and Allies
Beyond its work with Guard and Reserve employees, GM Financial has also made significant strides in supporting veterans and active-duty service members transitioning into civilian roles.
- Veteran Hiring Initiatives: Targeted recruitment efforts ensure that veterans are recognized for their unique skills and leadership experience.
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Dedicated ERGs provide spaces for veterans and allies to network, share resources, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Community Engagement: GM Financial supports veteran-focused nonprofit organizations and participates in community service projects that honor and assist military families.
This holistic approach reflects the company’s understanding that supporting service members goes far beyond their time in uniform.
