GM Financial has been named a recipient of the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the United States government bestows upon employers for their exceptional dedication to supporting members of the National Guard and Reserve. This recognition underscores GM Financial’s long-standing commitment to military service members, veterans, and their families, placing the company among an elite group of employers nationwide that go above and beyond in fostering workplace environments where citizen soldiers can thrive.
Out of more than 1,700 nominations submitted across the country, only 15 employers were selected to receive the award this year. GM Financial’s selection highlights the company’s exemplary efforts to provide tangible resources, policy protections, and cultural support systems that enable employees in the National Guard and Reserve to serve their nation without sacrificing career growth or workplace stability.
A Distinguished National Recognition
The Employer Support Freedom Award is administered annually by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) office. Established in 1996, the program celebrates organizations that demonstrate extraordinary dedication to supporting employees who balance dual commitments to civilian careers and military service. Now in its 30th year, the program has recognized only 370 employers across the United States, making it one of the most selective and prestigious acknowledgments of employer excellence in the realm of military support.
This year’s milestone anniversary underscores the importance of employer involvement in sustaining America’s all-volunteer force. The award ceremony was hosted in Washington, D.C., with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presenting the honors to the 2025 class of recipients.
“Employer support is just as important today as it was over 50 years ago when our nation transitioned to an all-volunteer force,” Secretary Hegseth noted during the ceremony. “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.
GM Financial’s Commitment to Military Employee
GM Financial, the wholly owned captive finance subsidiary of General Motors, has built a reputation not only as a leader in automotive financing but also as an employer that values and actively supports military personnel. The company has invested in policies and programs designed to ease the transition between civilian and military duties, ensuring employees who serve do not face undue professional or financial hardship.
Among its initiatives, GM Financial offers:
- Comprehensive Military Leave Benefits – Employees called to active duty or training receive extended leave benefits that surpass federal requirements.
- Supplemental Compensation Programs – The company provides financial assistance to cover income gaps when employees are deployed, ensuring financial stability for their families.
- Dedicated Employee Resource Groups – GM Financial supports a Military Employee Resource Group (ERG) that creates a community for veterans, service members, and their allies.
- Family Outreach and Support Networks – The company engages with the families of deployed employees, offering resources and outreach to maintain strong connections during absences.
- Career Development Support – Programs are in place to guarantee that military service members are not disadvantaged in their career progression or performance reviews due to deployment or training.
This multifaceted approach reflects GM Financial’s philosophy that supporting service members is not just a compliance requirement but a moral obligation and corporate priority.
Leadership Perspective
Susan Sheffield, President and CEO of GM Financial, accepted the Freedom Award on behalf of the company and its employees. She emphasized the importance of honoring the dedication of team members who serve in the Guard and Reserve while simultaneously contributing to the success of the company.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Freedom Award,” Sheffield stated. “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. This award is a reflection of their courage and of our commitment to ensuring they and their families feel supported both at work and at home.”
Her remarks reinforced GM Financial’s belief that a strong, supportive workplace culture benefits not only military employees but also the broader workforce by fostering loyalty, resilience, and a sense of shared purpose.
Building on a History of Recognition
The Freedom Award is the latest in a growing list of distinctions GM Financial has received for its commitment to military employees. Recently, the company also earned the Pro Patria Award and the Above and Beyond Award, both presented by ESGR to recognize employers who provide exceptional support at the state level.
- The Pro Patria Award is the highest-level award given by ESGR committees at the state level, recognizing employers who demonstrate the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through leadership and practices.
- The Above and Beyond Award honors employers who exceed the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by providing additional benefits or resources to service members.
Together, these accolades paint a picture of GM Financial as an employer that consistently demonstrates leadership in supporting the military community.
The Broader Significance of Employer Support
The role of employers like GM Financial in supporting National Guard and Reserve members cannot be overstated. Guardsmen and Reservists often face unique challenges, including unexpected deployments, intensive training periods, and the stress of balancing civilian careers with military obligations. Without proactive employer support, many could experience disruptions in income, job security, or career progression.
Employer recognition programs such as the Freedom Award serve to highlight best practices and inspire other organizations to adopt similar commitments. They also remind the public of the sacrifices made not only by service members but also by their families and civilian workplaces.
The Department of Defense emphasizes that employer support directly contributes to national security by enabling Guard and Reserve members to serve without fear of professional setbacks. Employers that provide stability and encouragement ensure that America’s military remains a robust, ready, and resilient force.
As GM Financial celebrates its Freedom Award recognition, the company continues to strengthen its commitment to military support. Plans are underway to further expand benefits, enhance employee engagement programs, and create new opportunities for veterans and service members to build lasting careers within the organization.
The company’s alignment with General Motors’ broader corporate responsibility initiatives ensures that military support remains a core focus. GM has a long history of honoring veterans and military families, and GM Financial’s efforts amplify that legacy in the financial services sector.
By integrating military values such as honor, service, and resilience into its organizational culture, GM Financial not only supports its employees but also enhances its business operations, customer relationships, and community engagement.
