President Bush and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld feted employers who have gone to extraordinary lengths to support their deployed Guard and Reserve workers. Factors leading to their selection ranged from providing pay differentials to extending health care. Sixteen employers received 2005 Secretary of Defense Freedom Awards. Read the list here.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
