The Anchorage Fire Department Fire Chief Douglas Schrage and U.S. Navy Capt. Darren Bess, the Executive Director for the Department of Defense office of Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve hold the SECDEF Employer Support Freedom Award during a ceremony Sept. 4, 2025. The AFD was one of 15 organizations nationwide that received the award for their commitment to excellence and taking care of Guardsmen and Reservists they employ. (Alaska National Guard photo by Seth LaCount)