During a formal ceremony held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC on Sept. 18, Lochinvar Corp. and 14 other employers were presented with the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Lochinvar was nominated by William M. Jacobs, a manufacturing engineering manager at Lochinvar and a Platoon Sergeant for R Troop 4/278 Air Calvary Regiment Tennessee Army National Guard.  In his nomination letter to the Department of Defense, Jacobs expressed his gratitude for Lochinvar's generosity and support that touched him, his Unit and Task Force as well as many others in the United States Military.

Bill Vallett, Jr., president of Lochinvar Corp., attended the ceremony and accepted the Freedom Award on behalf of the entire Lochinvar team.

"Receiving the Freedom Award is a tremendous honor, and all of us at Lochinvar pledge to continue to support our troops to the best of our ability," stated Vallett.  "I could not be more proud of our employees and their family members who serve in the United States Military, as well as those on our team who help make a difference – this award is for them."