Dr. Davis Eidahl, left, and Dave Harper,Evans Middle School principal, display the award.
The Ottumwa Community School District was recognized today as a patriotic employer on behalf of the Iowa and National Committees for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - which is under the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Superintendent Davis Eidahl accepted the award on behalf of the district.
The district was nominated for the Employer Support Freedom Award by MAJ David Harper, 224 Engineering Battalion and principal at Evans Middle School. Harper is retiring from the Iowa National Guard this month after 24 years. The award is the U.S. Government's highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. The Freedom Award is particularly significant because only members of the National Guard and Reserve or their family members are eligible to nominate their employers for the award.
“The Ottumwa Community School District as well as the Ottumwa community has a tradition of honoring and supporting our military personnel,” said Eidahl. “This award is especially relevant as we see our 833rd deployed for the third time in seven years. This is one of the many ways we show love and support to our service members and their families.”
The award was presented by Don Lane, a representative of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “This is a reflection of your leadership, dedication and relationship with your employees,” Lane said during his presentation.
Harper was also present for the presentation. “I appreciate the tremendous support I’ve received from the district,” he said. “It’s employers like this that are force multipliers for the Iowa National Guard by allowing citizen soldiers to serve their country and state.”
