Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota celebrates a special award from the U.S. Secretary of Defense

It's Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair today and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is celebrating a special award from the U.S. Secretary of Defense for supporting its employees who also are members of the military.

BCBS's John Lunieski says they're lucky to have them.

"They bring a lot of real world experiences, unique experiences," says Lunieski. "They also bring a level of energy and commitment that's probably unrivaled. And finally, there's a lot of organizational and leadership skills."

The award marks the fourth consecutive year Blue Cross Blue Shield has been recognized for its support of military members.

Lunieski says one way they do that is through supplemental pay.

"Typically a military member will receive less income when they're on active duty," he says. "So Blue Cross matches that pay to bring them to make sure that they don't lose overall."

Lunieski says they value their military members for their unique real world experiences, energy, leadership skills, and commitment.

“On behalf of the Department of Defense, congratulations to the 2024 Employer Support Freedom Award recipients as we mark the 29th year of this highly coveted recognition,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III during the announcement in July. “We appreciate everything they do for our National Guardsmen, our Reservists, and their families. Employer support is just as important today as it was over 50 years ago when our nation transitioned to an All-Volunteer force. Without the unfaltering support of employers like this year’s recipients, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital mission in support of our nation’s defense and security. It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers.”

They initially received 1,758 nominations for this prestigious award for employers throughout the 50 states. The League of Minnesota Cities was also recognized along with 13 other employers from around the U.S.