2026 Secretary of War Freedom Award: A Proud Milestone for Glendale Parade Store

Receiving this national recognition means more to me than I can put into words. It celebrates the people we serve, the team beside me, and a commitment that has always been close to our hearts.

I am incredibly proud to share that Glendale Parade Store LLC of San Antonio, Texas, has received the Secretary of War 2026 Employer Support Freedom Award. Our company was recognized in the Small Business category, with our nomination associated with the Air Force Reserve.

As CEO of Glendale Parade Store, I find this achievement incredibly meaningful. Supporting America's military community has always been more than business to us. I take this commitment personally, and I am grateful to see our efforts recognized in this way.

On October 21, 2026, I received a letter from the Secretary of War, congratulating Glendale Parade Store on being named a 2026 award recipient. The letter, sent on behalf of the Department of War, recognized our efforts to support National Guard and Reserve service members and their families. Reading those words was an especially meaningful moment for me.

What the Employer Support Freedom Award Recognizes

The Secretary of War Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition the U.S. government gives employers for supporting National Guard and Reserve employees. Established in 1996, the Department of War's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program presents it.

Military service often requires employees to balance civilian careers with training, deployments, and other responsibilities. Employers that support those commitments help service members continue their military duties without worrying about their civilian employment.

This year's selection process makes the recognition even more special. ESGR received more than 1,200 nominations nationwide, with 40 employers selected as finalists. Glendale Parade Store was one of just six small businesses named as finalists before being selected as a recipient.

We are honored to be recognized alongside employers who share our commitment to supporting America's military community. You can view the official 2026 Employer Support Freedom Award recipient announcement published by ESGR. 

The Team Behind Glendale Parade Store’s Freedom Award

I may be receiving this letter as CEO, but I know this recognition belongs to our entire team. Their hard work, dedication, and respect for the military community are a big part of what makes Glendale special.

I am also thankful to our customers, military organizations, and supporters who have trusted us over the years. Their support has allowed us to keep doing work that means so much to us.

Earlier this year, we were also honored with the 2026 Texas Pro Patria Award, presented by the Texas ESGR committee. Receiving these recognitions in the same year makes me especially proud of our team and the relationships we have built with the military community.

Standing Proudly With America's Service Members

We are proud to be a Military Gear, Uniforms & Awards Shop serving active-duty military personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, military families, and students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

For us, the people behind the uniforms matter most. We recognize their dedication and the responsibilities that come with military service. We want them to know that their service is valued and that they have our support.

Receiving this national recognition is an honor we will always carry with pride. It strengthens our commitment to standing behind America's service members and supporting the people who serve our country.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of Glendale Parade Store's journey. We are deeply grateful to our team and the military community we serve. This recognition belongs to all of us, and we are proud to share it with you.