Core States Group Accepted the 2024 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Last August at the Pentagon, Core States Group received the 2024 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government recognition for employers supporting National Guard and Reserve employees.

Core States Group was one of just 15 organizations selected from more than 1,750 nominations nationwide.

The nomination came from Second Lieutenant Kyle Vance, an Army National Guard member and Project Manager – Electrical, whose experience highlighted the company’s exceptional commitment to job security, communication, and family support.

Kyle Vance and Chris Sacco Attend Award Recognition Event

On May 14, 2025, Lieutenant General Jon Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard, hosted an event at Fort Myer, VA, to honor recipients of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award. Kyle Vance and Chris Sacco represented Core States Group at the celebration, which featured a Twilight Tattoo, a live performance by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) showcasing the history of the U.S. Army from the Revolutionary War to the present. The event drew an audience of 2,000–3,000 people, with a pre-event reception attended by members of Congress, the Senate, embassy officials, and senior military leaders.

A standout moment for Kyle during the event was the VIP reception, where he and Chris were formally introduced and invited to the front of the room. Lieutenant General Stubbs presented Chris with a framed letter of appreciation recognizing Core States Group as a 2024 ESGR Freedom Award recipient. The letter was signed by senior Army National Guard leadership, including LTG Stubbs, MG Baldwin, CCWO Searcy, and CSM Kandrick.

Kyle described the experience as both humbling and inspiring, an unforgettable honor to receive such recognition in the presence of peers, service members, and distinguished guests, including several high-ranking officials.

He looks forward to sharing this moment with the team and, more importantly, hopes it serves as a catalyst to raise awareness of the support Core States Group provides to Guard and Reserve members. This recognition reflects the company’s Value of Service, and “It’s something worth celebrating,” Kyle said.

Kyle Vance’s Perspective on the 2024 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Kyle shared that Core States Group’s Value of Service goes beyond words; it’s demonstrated through consistent, meaningful action. Motivated by his personal experience, he nominated the company for the ESGR Freedom Award, describing Core States Group’s commitment to supporting service members as both inspiring and impactful.

Kyle explained that balancing military responsibilities with his professional role was seamless, thanks to the company’s communication, transparency, and unwavering support. From continued pay and benefits to public recognition of military achievements, Core States Group doesn’t just support military employees, the company invests in them. Kyle stated, “It’s one thing to comply with policy; it’s another to lead with integrity.”

He described the Freedom Award ceremony as humbling and energizing. Standing before military leaders and members of Congress, Kyle felt honored to represent a company that genuinely values military service. For him, the event was more than recognition, it was a chance to highlight Core States Group as a model for how businesses can support those who serve.

Serving in both uniform and professional capacity, Kyle said this award reinforced the importance of what military employees do every day, whether in the field, office, or classroom. It validated that Core States Group lives its values, prioritizing people, honoring service, and fostering a culture of flexibility and appreciation.

He also noted that the award has already raised awareness across the company. Through internal communications and social media, employees are gaining a deeper understanding of what support looks like and why it matters. Kyle believes this recognition will strengthen the company’s commitment and inspire future policies that attract and retain service-minded professionals. “Core States Group’s actions speak louder than words,” said Kyle Vance.