USAA Honored by Defense Department for Support of National Guard and Reserve Employees

(Arlington, Virginia) - David Janes, national chairman for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, today congratulated USAA as a 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipient.

"We are proud to receive the ESGR Freedom Award, but we are even prouder of the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve who risk their lives each day in defense of freedom," said Bob Davis, USAA's chairman and CEO. "We offer them our support and gratitude as they serve our nation, both overseas and right here at home as they respond to those affected by Hurricane Katrina."

The Freedom Award recognizes employers who provide exceptional support to its National Guard and Reserve employees. This year, nearly 1,500 companies were nominated by their employees across the country. USAA is one of only 15 employers selected for this prestigious award.

USAA was also selected earlier this year as an ESGR 5-Star supporter – the highest level attainable. Less than one percent of Guardsmen and Reservist employers in the United States have achieved this 5-Star level of recognition by the Department of Defense.

Janes said USAA continues to show great care and concern for their National Guard and Reserve employees and their families. They offer National Guard and Reserve employees many programs, including:
•Salary compensation
•Pay differential
•Eligibility for awarded holidays and corporate performance bonuses
•Benefits coverage
•Deployment preparedness kits

“Continuing to receive my USAA benefits is the best part of my Guard experience,” says Penny Anderson a member of the Texas National Guard who has been deployed to Bosnia and is currently activated to support hurricane relief operations in New Orleans.

“USAA truly knows how to take care of their employees. I know that several members in my unit were concerned because their companies stopped their benefits. I was proud to say that I work at USAA.”

Marine Corps reservist Lt. Col. Paul Miller, who nominated USAA for the Freedom Award, says he is proud of the way his company takes care of the troops. A manager in USAA’s Life Insurance Company, Miller says USAA has a strong team of employee relations representatives who assist Guard and Reserve employees. “They’re committed to answering all the questions and resolving any issues that may arise regarding job status, pay and benefits.”

“All Americans can be justly proud of our nation’s employers for their exceptional support of our men and women in the National Guard and Reserves during these demanding times,” said Janes. “USAA, through their personnel programs provide a fine example of an employer’s recognition of the sacrifice these young people make in defense of our freedoms and way of life. The Department of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is a tribute to USAA for their leadership and support.”

USAA is a diversified financial services company known for financial strength, outstanding service, and competitive products. Founded in 1922 to serve members of the military and their families, USAA stands ready to help its 5 million members with life’s transitions, challenges, and opportunities by providing financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking. USAA is headquartered in San Antonio with offices throughout the United States and Europe.

The other 2005 recipients include Alticor, Incorporated, Citizens Financial Group, Eaton Corporation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, IDACORP, Los Angeles Police Department, Louisiana Department of Safety & Corrections, Pioneer Financial Services, Sears, Roebuck and Co., South Dakota State University, the State of Delaware, and Wachovia. The award ceremonies will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. on October 15, 2005 and marks the 10th anniversary of this prestigious award program.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or call the National Committee at 800-336-4590.