JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CSX announced today that Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Ward will accept the 2011 Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington, D.C. on September 22, 2011. CSX is the only two-time recipient, having first received the award in 1998.
The award, given by the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) agency, is the highest recognition for companies that provide exceptional support for employees serving in the Guard and Reserves. Of the 15 honorees, CSX is the only major railroad to receive the award. More than 4,000 companies were nominated.
CSX was nominated by John Gipe, Army National Guard command sergeant major and a CSX locomotive engineer. Sgt. Major Gipe has been on active duty since shortly after September 11, 2001.
"CSX is proud and appreciative of its citizen-soldiers as well as our military veterans," Ward said. "In addition to serving their country in their military roles, they also support the efficient delivery of freight that keeps our nation strong. The accountability and commitment they bring are important traits in our business."
About one in five CSX employees is a veteran of the armed forces, or is a member of Guard or Reserve units. CSX ranks third among the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers listed by G.I. Jobs magazine. Already in 2011, CSX has participated in 245 military recruiting events as part of the company's broad-based hiring initiative.
In addition, CSX serves more military facilities than any other major U.S. railroad, and the company handles thousands of carloads annually for both overseas deployments and training exercises.
About ESGR and the Freedom Award
The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. ESGR was established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
About CSX
CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation's leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans approximately 21,000 miles, with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia. CSX's network connects more than 240 short line and regional railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com.
SOURCE CSX Corporation
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