Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. SANCHEZ CONGRATULATES OC SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT OF SANTA ANA, NAMED FINALIST FOR 2011 FREEDOM AWARD

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today congratulated the Orange County (OC) Sheriff’s Department of Santa Ana, which has been named a finalist for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The OC Sheriff’s Department was selected from more than 4,000 employers nominated across the country to be one of 30 finalists.

The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given to employers for their strong support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. A national selection board comprised of Department of Defense officials will choose 15 finalists to receive the Freedom Award and will announce recipients in early summer.

“The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has gone above and beyond in their support of military employees,” said Sanchez. “I am proud of this recognition and also proud of the Sheriff’s Department employees who serve in the Reserve and National Guard. When Orange County businesses hire and support members of the National Guard and Reserve, they help to keep our country strong, proud, and free.”

Support from employers is increasingly important for National Guard and Reserve troops who make up almost half of our nation’s military. Orange County has a proven record of achievement– the Santa Ana Police Department earned the Freedom Award for troop support in 2009.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

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United States House of Representatives
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