Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today congratulated Citi for being named a finalist for the 2012 U.S. Department of Defense Freedom Award. South Dakota Air National Guardsman Master Sergeant Robert Moeller of Sioux Falls nominated the company for the nationwide honor, which recognizes employers for their support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves.

“We have relied heavily on the service of the men and women of our National Guard and Reserves in recent years,” said Johnson. “Whether they are helping protect South Dakota communities from flooding or bravely serving in countries around the world, our servicemembers make great sacrifices for us. I applaud Citi for making it a little easier for their employees that serve in the National Guard and Reserves.”

In his nomination, Master Sergeant Moeller, an IT Test Manager with Citi in Sioux Falls, wrote that Citi helps the families of servicemembers by raking leaves, shoveling snow and providing weekly contact from the employee’s department. Master Sergeant Moeller also said that Citi departments are especially helpful to servicemembers and their families during the holiday season.

Citi was selected as one of 30 finalists from more than 3,236 nominations submitted by Guard or Reserve servicemembers or their families. A board of senior Defense Department officials, business leaders and prior award winners will select 15 employers for the 2012 Freedom Award this summer. Award winners will be honored in Washington, DC in September.

Past South Dakota recipients have included the Winner School District, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota State University and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yankton.

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