An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | Sept. 5, 2025

Anchorage Fire Department receives DOD’s highest award for outstanding employer support

By Seth LaCount Alaska National Guard Public Affairs

The Anchorage Fire Department received the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award at a ceremony at the Anchorage Fire Training Center, Sept. 4. The AFD was only the third Alaska employer to receive this award since its inception in 1996.
 
The award is the highest U.S. Government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The Alaska Army Guard’s Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ben Russell, a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot assigned to the 207th Aviation Troop Command nominated the AFD for the award this year.
 
“I am deeply grateful to the AFD and their unwavering support,” Russel said. “Their encouragement and flexibility have been instrumental in allowing me to serve both our communities and engage them with pride. I want to thank them for a steadfast commitment to the well-being of my family and my professional growth in service.”
 
Alaska Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Brian Kile, the Assistant Adjutant General and AKANG commander, spoke on behalf of the Guard’s leadership and every Alaska Guardsman who relies on strong employer support to accomplish their mission effectively.
 
“Readiness doesn’t just happen over drill weekend,” Kile said. “It starts at home with an employer who says I’ve got you covered. And having that type of support for every Soldier and airman makes the whole force stronger.”
 
The Employer Support of Guard and Reserve office received 1,626 nominations from across the nation and the AFD was one of 15 award recipients that distinguished themselves by going far beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA.
 
In addition to generous employee benefits, the AFD has created a National Guard mentorship program which allows members to train alongside fire and emergency medical services groups.
 
“That type of hands-on training and experience sharpens our skills and helps build training requirements,” Kile said. “It’s smart, it’s effective and it’s another shining example of how AFD sees Guard members as a real strength.”
 
Anchorage Fire Department Fire Chief Douglas Schrage concluded the ceremony by recognizing the many veterans and servicemembers in the AFD.
 
“The training, discipline and commitment you all bring is an invaluable and we are grateful for each and every one of you,” said Schrage. “We are committed to this nation’s warriors and will continue that legacy.”
 
When the award recipients were named in July, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also recognized each of them for their excellence.
 
“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,” Hegseth said. “It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers.”
Anchorage Fire Department receives DOD’s highest award for outstanding employer support
September 5, 2025
na

Air National Guard Medics Train Under Pressure for Real-World Combat Casualty Care
August 29, 2025
na

Alaska Air National Guard conducts multiple hoist rescue of stranded rafters on Kichatna River
August 28, 2025
na

Alaska Air National Guard rescues individual with facial laceration near Knik Glacier
August 26, 2025
na

Leveling Up: Alaska Army Guard engineers rebuild observation posts during annual training 25'
August 19, 2025
na

268th Security Forces Squadron welcomes new Commander
August 14, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard aviators accomplish two rescue missions at the start of Alaska sheep hunting season
August 13, 2025
na

Alaska Army National Guard hosts multi-agency hoist symposium, expands partnerships, improves SAR coordination
July 29, 2025
The symposium, hosted by Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to Golf Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, included U.S. Coast Guard crews assigned to Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic out of Air Stations Kodiak and Sitka, Alaska Air National Guardsmen with the 176th Wing rescue squadrons, U.S. Army aviators from Fort Wainwright’s 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, Alaska State Troopers, and civilian search and rescue professional volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group.

Alaska Air National Guard rescues climber trapped on cliff near Seward
July 28, 2025
AKANG

AKARNG aviation maintenance Soldiers conduct HH-60M Black Hawk repairs
July 23, 2025
na