Oshkosh Earns Recognition for Employee Support

July 14, 2008 • JLG parent company, Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., has received the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the Department of Defense. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Oshkosh and 14 other employers will be honored at a ceremony Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C.

The Department of Defense organization, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), chose Oshkosh for the honor because of its "exceptional" support of its employees serving on active duty, exceeding the requirements of federal law to grant leave and provide support to employees.

"We are honored to be recognized for what is considered exceptional treatment of our National Guard and Reserve employees,” said Robert Bohn, Oshkosh chairman and CEO. “Our company continues to succeed not only because of the strength of our product and services, but also because of the integrity of our people. We are grateful for these employees who are essential in helping Oshkosh succeed while also serving our country in a separate capacity, and to support them is the right thing to do."

"In the military, the best leaders are those who always take care of their people • and it is no different in the civilian workplace," said Gordon Sumner, executive director, employer support of the Guard and Reserve. "Oshkosh Corporation has shown that it takes care of its people. Its employees, who are also Reserve and Guard members, know the company is helping take care of their family while they are away serving this country."

The Wisconsin ESGR Field Committee recognized Oshkosh with the Pro Patria Award in the large-company category earlier this year. The award is the ESGR's highest honor at the state level. The Wisconsin ESGR also recognized Oshkosh with the Above and Beyond Award, an award that recognizes employers going above the requirements of Wisconsin state law for supporting Guard and Reserve employees. Companies are nominated for the award by an employee who is serving in the Guard or Reserve, or an employee's family member.