King County Executive Dow Constantine accepts the annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve, during a ceremony at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Va., Aug. 30, 2023. King County was one of 15 employers selected from 1,863 nominations this year to receive the prestigious award. Nominated by U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Cappelletti, King County is the local government responsible for judicial, administrative, public safety, land use, property assessment and taxation, health, transportation and roads, elections and parks for over 2.2 million residents. Joining Mr. Constantine on stage was Mr. Ronald Bogle, left, national chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and Mr. Gilbert Cisneros, right, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Bernardo Fuller)