CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Van Meter Inc. is one of 40 finalists for the 2026 Secretary of War Employer Support Freedom Award. The distinction is the highest honor the United States government bestows upon employers for their support of National Guard and Reserve members.
Jeremy Smith, an employee-owner at Van Meter, nominated the company for the award. Smith is a delivery driver in Davenport, Iowa, and sergeant first class in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) of the Army National Guard.
“Van Meter’s support goes beyond anything I’ve ever experienced,” Smith said. “From welcoming me back after being away as if I had never left, to donating to local veteran outreach centers and organizations that support veterans in crisis, they continue to show how much they truly care.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) received more than 1,200 nominations from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Van Meter is one of three finalists based in Iowa. Van Meter’s CEO, Lura McBride, called this recognition a testament to the military employee-owners who make Van Meter stronger every day.
“We are proud to support veterans, service members and military spouses as they continue their careers and bring their leadership, resilience and commitment to service into our workplace,” said McBride. “We are grateful for their contributions and honored to be recognized among the nation’s best employers for military employees.”
The Iowa ESGR recognized Van Meter, Bank Midwest (Spirit Lake) and the City of Sioux Center in a special ceremony September 18. Up to 20 finalists will receive the Freedom Award this December in Washington D.C.
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