AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear
Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) was formally presented with
the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award on
Aug. 26 during a ceremony at the
Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The
Freedom Award, which is the nation's highest honor given to
employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees,
was given to 15 companies selected from more than 2,400
nominations.
"These 15 awardees are helping to make the Department of Defense
and our country stronger," said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
during the ceremony. "Today, more than ever, the commitment they've
shown to our country, and to those who serve our country, is
indispensable."
Goodyear, the first tire and rubber industry manufacturer to
receive this award, was recognized for the honor based on its
strong military support including:
- The company hired 1,000 Guard, Reserve and veteran employees
from 2011-2014 and renewed that commitment in 2015.
- Goodyear supports members of the U.S. Armed Forces and families
through its annual "Support Our Troops" campaign, which has
generated more than $1 million over
the past six years.
- Goodyear fosters a culture of support for our associate
veterans, reservists and guardsmen and women. From its
manufacturing plants to corporate offices, Goodyear offers employee
benefits, resource groups, and company policies aimed at supporting
associates who serve their country while working for the
company.
"I nominated Goodyear for the Freedom Award because I've
experienced firsthand the heartwarming and outstanding support
they're willing to give veterans, guardsman and reservists," said
Chris Wozniak, engineering manager
at Goodyear Innovation Center Manufacturing and a Lt. Cmdr. in the
U.S. Navy Reservist. "The thread of patriotism runs deep throughout
all facets of the organization, whether it's with new hires,
transitioning veterans or even associates who have never served but
are passionate about supporting our troops."
At the ceremony, Secretary Carter presented Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear Americas,
with the award -- a tall bronze eagle.
"To be chosen as one of 15 recipients out of more than 2,400
organizations that were nominated is a great honor," said
McClellan. "Although Goodyear is being recognized for our efforts
as a company to support our troops and honor veterans, we believe
that what we receive back from our veteran associates is truly
invaluable. The dedication, work ethic, perspective and ingenuity
that they bring to our offices, plants and retail stores every day
is the real reward for Goodyear."
Goodyear has more than 100 years of history building innovative
tires and equipment to help support and protect U.S. troops and is
the largest producer of military tires in the country.
In past years, Goodyear has received the Pro Patria and Above
And Beyond Awards, two similarly-judged awards from the Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve, and was recently recognized as a
Military Friendly Employer by G.I.
Jobs magazine for its leadership in hiring and
supporting veterans.
For more information on the 2016 Freedom Award program, visit
www.freedomaward.mil. For more information on ESGR, visit
www.esgr.mil.
Goodyear, founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world's largest tire
companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures
its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its
two Innovation Centers in Akron,
and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive
to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the
technology and performance standard for the industry. For more
information about Goodyear and its products, go to
www.goodyear.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160829/402266
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-presented-with-secretary-of-defense-freedom-award-at-pentagon-ceremony-300319469.html
SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company