Van Meter Named Freedom Award Finalist

The Iowa-based company was recognized for its support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Military Jobs

Bright, modern office interior with clean lines, wooden architectural accents, and soft morning light entering through large windows. — Van Meter Inc. was named a finalist for the 2026 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, recognizing the Iowa-based company's support of National Guard and Reserve employees. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local companies have an obligation to prioritize support for National Guard employees?

Van Meter Inc. has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The honor is the highest level of recognition the U.S. government provides to employers for their support of Guard and Reserve members.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the importance of private-sector support for military personnel as they balance civilian careers with service obligations. Van Meter was nominated by its own employee, Jeremy Smith, for its dedication to veterans and military spouses.

Van Meter Inc. is one of 40 national finalists chosen from a pool of 1,200 nominations. The company is one of three Iowa-based businesses currently in the running for the award.

The players

Van Meter Inc.

An Iowa-based company that provides electrical and automation solutions to various industries.

Jeremy Smith

An employee at Van Meter who officially nominated the company for the Freedom Award.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

A Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation and understanding between reserve component members and their civilian employers.

Bank Midwest

A financial institution based in Spirit Lake that was also named a finalist for the Freedom Award.

City of Sioux Center

A municipal government body in Iowa that serves as one of the three finalists from the state.

The details

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve managed the nomination process, evaluating support provided to military personnel and their families in the workplace. Van Meter, alongside other regional finalists Bank Midwest and the City of Sioux Center, received local recognition at a ceremony earlier this month.

September 18, 2026: Iowa ESGR held a recognition ceremony for state finalists.
December 2026: Up to 20 finalists will be selected as final Freedom Award recipients.

Market Landscape

This award recognizes companies that prioritize military-friendly policies as a competitive differentiator in the labor market. Such initiatives strengthen corporate reputations and improve retention of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

For current and prospective employees, this recognition signifies that Van Meter maintains formal practices to accommodate military leave and service requirements. This status helps service members and military spouses identify workplaces that provide stable support for their career and service paths.

The takeaway

Employers that actively support Guard and Reserve members often foster inclusive work environments that benefit all employees. Prioritizing these programs allows companies to better retain talent that possesses unique leadership and logistical skills gained through military service.