Goodyear receives Freedom Award at the Pentagon

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was formally presented with the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award on 26 August during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The Freedom Award was given to 15 companies selected from more than 2,400 nominations an acknowledges.

“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.”

“I nominated Goodyear for the Freedom Award because I’ve experienced first-hand the heart-warming 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. US 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.”

“To be chosen as one of 15 recipients out of more than 2,400 organizations that were nominated is a great honour,” said Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear Americas. “Although Goodyear is being recognized for our efforts as a company to support our troops and honour 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.”

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.