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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
The military remains an important economic engine for the state of Utah. With Hill Air Force Base, the Utah National Guard, Camp Williams and Dugway Proving Ground, these are tremendous examples of an important contribution to our community. Not to mention the total dollars added to the economy are in the billions. This also translates into thousands of jobs added to Utah's employment base. These include active duty service men and women and veterans.
Utah's population now includes over 161,000 veterans. These are brave men and women we need to take care of, especially in recognition of their service to us, as a nation, and because of their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. Employer support is critical to this process, during and after their service. It's true for all branches of the military but especially those serving in the National Guard and the Reserve, who must transition frequently.
Almost one-half of the U.S. military is comprised of the Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense shares these citizen warriors with their civilian employers, many of whom provide significant support to members of these two military branches. This support is crucial to foster a successful transition.
Every year the Department of Defense recognizes employers who are doing an extraordinary job supporting these service men and women. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award launched in 1996, and since that time a total of 205 employers in the U.S. have received this prestigious award. It's the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to businesses for their support of employees who serve in the Guard and the Reserve.
Only 15 awards are given out per year, and this year Zions Bank was one of the recipients, in recognition of their military initiative, which supports military employees and their families. Brian Garrett, who manages Zions Bank's Military Relations Program, says it was an honor for employees who are benefitting from the initiative to be the ones who nominated the bank for this impressive national recognition.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
