During a formal ceremony held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on September 18, Lochinvar Corporation 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 to receive the award 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 Corporation, 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."

In addition to the Freedom Award, Lochinvar has also been presented with the Patriot Award, the Concord Minute Man trophy for Outstanding Support of the Unit and the Men and Women of Army National Guard, and the "Above and Beyond" Award.

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