Fred Springer, president and c.e.o. of Burford, and his company are longtime supporters of the U.S. military.

MAYSVILLE, OKLA. — Burford Corp. was awarded the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employee Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Fred Springer, president and chief executive officer of Burford, and his company are longtime supporters of the U.S. military, with 20% of Burford’s workforce either military veterans or active Guardsmen.

“It is inscribed at the heart of Burford’s DNA to do everything possible to support the men and women of the military that sacrifice so much for our great nation,” Mr. Springer said.

“Burford Corp. is the ideal example of an employer going above and beyond in support of my duties as Oklahoma National Guardsmen toward which all employers should strive,” said Kent Turner, National Guardsman 1LT and Burford Corp. employee. “When most employers would consider my time away as a negative, Burford honors my commitments and takes pride in having a member of the Armed Services as an employee.”

David Bergman, Mr. Turner’s supervisor, added, “I am so proud to work for a company that not only believes in her patriotic duty but demonstrates it profoundly daily with its overwhelming support for the men and women serving this great country.”

Defense Secretary Ash Carter expressed his thanks in a press release announcing the winners of the award.

“Without the unfaltering support of employers like them, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital roles in our National Security Strategy,” Mr. Carter said. “It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers.”