(Sioux Center Water Tower - KIWA Staff Photo)Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — The City of Sioux Center has been named one of 40 national finalists for the Secretary of War Employer Support Freedom Award, recognizing employers that go above and beyond in supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Sioux Center was selected from 1,288 employers nominated nationwide. The Freedom Award is considered the federal government’s highest honor for employer support of Guard and Reserve members.
Recognizing Support for Military Service
The award recognizes employers that exceed workplace requirements through supportive policies, family outreach, and other efforts in the well-being of milirary members.
City Manager Scott Wynja said the recognition reflects Sioux Center’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the military while also carrying out the city’s core values of integrity, dependability, positive attitudes, and teamwork.
Anthony Tata, the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, said employer support remains a vital part of maintaining the nation’s all-volunteer military force, especially for service members and families facing deployments and other military obligations.
City Employees Serve Overseas
The city was nominated by Human Resources and Safety Manager Josh Mork, who serves as a first sergeant with the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing.
Mork has served more than 19 years in the Air National Guard after previously spending six years in the Army National Guard. During his time with the City of Sioux Center, he deployed to Japan in 2024 and has completed multiple temporary duty assignments.
Two other city employees also serve in the Army National Guard. Izaak Hoey recently returned from a yearlong deployment to Syria, while Tyler Kanaly served a deployment to Iraq during 2025 and 2026.
Mork said the city’s support allows military personnel to focus on their service with confidence, knowing their civilian employer stands behind them.
The Freedom Award is presented annually by the U.S. Department of War. Sioux Center’s selection places the city among the national finalists, though award recipients have not yet been announced.
