AKRON, Ohio, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, has honored The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT)  with the Pro Patria Award, the highest state-level award given to a civilian employer by the department.

Pro Patria Award honorees are employers who demonstrate exceptional support for the United States national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.

"This award reflects Goodyear's ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve in the U.S. armed forces," said Gary VanderLind, Goodyear North America vice president of human resources. "We are honored by the recognition of our efforts to support the men and women who serve our country as members of the Guard or Reserve."

For the past three years, Goodyear has been named a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs magazine for its leadership in hiring and supporting military service veterans. In 2014, Goodyear surpassed a three-year goal of hiring 1,000 veterans and committed to hiring an additional 1,000 veterans in 2015.

VanderLind said veterans, guardsmen and reservists looking to build a civilian career find the Goodyear culture supportive of traditional military values, with a focus on delivering results. The company has an employee veterans association, dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life and careers at Goodyear.

Goodyear has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces. For more than 100 years, the company has provided a products and support to the military and ranks as the country's largest producer of military tires. In addition, the company's "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign has generated nearly $1 million in donations for the non-profit organization Support Our Troops since 2010.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers' principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150420/199754

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodyear-receives-pro-patria-award-for-support-of-guard-reserves-300068758.html

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company