John Creighton, Seattle Port Commissioner, Announces Employer Support Freedom Award

PORT OF SEATTLE, Wash., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Last month, the Port of Seattle was one of 15 employers to receive the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., says John Creighton, Port of Seattle Commissioner. The port is the first public agency from Washington State to be provided with this award.

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The Freedom Award is designed to recognize employers who support employees who have served in the United States Military. Since 1996, only 160 employers have received the award, says John Creighton. Port of Seattle officials note that the Freedom Award is the highest of its kind given to employers by the Defense Department.

"Receiving an award like this from the Department of Defense is a distinct honor," says John Creighton, Port of Seattle Commissioner. "Those who serve in the military should be respected and honored for the sacrifices they make in serving the country. We are committed at the Port to do all we can to support both active duty service members and veterans. I consider this award a great recognition of the sacrifices these employees make each day."

The award was provided, in part, as a recognition of the work the Port has done to help military personnel transition into civilian employment. The Port's Veterans Fellowship Program, begun in 2007, provides veteran employees with a significant amount of training and mentorship, as well as training in resume writing, interview skills and workplace etiquette. The program also provides veterans with 6-month work assignments that allow them to practice their skills in real time. According to John Creighton, Seattle has seen 26 veterans participate in this program. He hopes to see increasing participation levels in the coming years.

John Creighton has been a member of the Seattle Port Commission since 2006, and has been an active and avid supporter of the Veterans Fellowship Program during that time.

"Supporting the men and women who have given us so much for our country is just the right thing to do," he says. "The transition from active duty to civilian life can be challenging, and anything we can do to make the process run a bit more smoothly seems like a good investment."

Media Contact: Michael Linmore Linmore PR, 800-256-9168, info@linmorepr.com

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John Creighton, Seattle Port Commissioner, Announces Employer Support Freedom Award