Art C. Klein Construction is among 30 finalists to be recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for the 2025 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The finalists include small and large private and public sector employers throughout the country, nominated by a National Guard or Reserve Component employee employed in their organization. ESGR received 1,626 nominations for this prestigious award on behalf of employers throughout the 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.  Art C. Klein Construction was nominated by 1st Sgt Loren Bates, who has served in the Army Reserve for 33 years and has worked for Art C. Klein Construction for 29 years.  1st Sgt Bates is General Manager of the company’s concrete division, Peak Concrete. In August of 2025, 15 employers will be selected to receive the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense to employers for their exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve members. To learn more about ESGR and the Freedom Award visit:  https://www.esgr.mil/Employer-Awards/ESGR-Awards-Programs