Freedom Awards Deputy Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan speaks at the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 25, 2017. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.73 MB) Credit: Amber I. Smith VIRIN: 170825-D-SV709-008L.JPG Photo Gallery