The following questions and answers are provided for use in response to query of the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Program. Queries beyond the scope of this guidance can be referred to the Freedom Team Salute Program Office at 703–325–4002 or www.freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil

1.  Who directs the Freedom Team Salute Program?

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASA-M&RA) administers the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Program.

2.  What does the Army hope to achieve with Freedom Team Salute?

Freedom Team Salute serves as the centerpiece of the essential and enduring bond between the U.S. Army and every American who lives with an appreciation of the price of freedom. The program is a voice of sincere appreciation for all who embody the essence of “Army Strong.” The Freedom Team Salute Program exists to recognize the essential bond between Soldiers, family, and community. It celebrates the sacrifices made by those who support America’s Soldiers. Freedom Team Salute honors the millions of Army Veterans who have served and is a living connection to the ideals of duty, honor, and patriotism.

3.  Who is eligible for a U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation and who can register whom?

Soldiers may honor their spouse and parents (including step-parents). Guard and Reserve Soldiers may honor the aforementioned candidates and also their civilian employer. Anyone may honor an Army Veteran and Veterans may register for their own commendation package. Additionally, anyone can honor an Army Supporter, defined as “those who significantly contribute to supporting Soldiers and the U.S. Army’s mission.” To honor someone, go online at www.freedomteamsalute.com or fill out a postage-paid mail-back card

4.  What does a recipient receive and when?

Honorees will receive a Commendation Package that includes a personalized certificate, a letter of appreciation signed by the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army, an Army lapel pin, and an Army decal (parents also receive a “Proud Parent of a U.S. Army Soldier” bumper sticker). Receipt of a Commendation Packet will take about 3–4 weeks from the date the card is filled out or information is submitted online. If there are special circumstances, such as an event requiring a quicker turn around, please call 703–325–4002.

5.  How much do you charge?

Freedom Team Salute is a fully funded Army program provided at no cost.

6.  When is someone considered a Soldier and eligible to honor supporters?

As soon as the Soldier enters basic training, they are eligible to honor their supporters until the day of his/her honorable discharge or retirement. Once a Soldier has their discharge papers, he/she is eligible for a Veteran packet.

7.  How many people can a Soldier honor?

An Active Army Soldier can honor his/her parents (to include step-parents) and a spouse. Army National Guard and Army Reserve can honor his/her parents (to include step-parents), a spouse, and an employer. Any Soldier (or civilian) can honor as many Veterans as they would like.

8.  Who is a Veteran eligible under the Freedom Team Salute Program?

Anyone who was discharged from the Army under an administrative category—honorable, general, or other than honorable—regardless of what length of service or when—is eligible. Individuals discharged under the punitive category—dishonorable or bad conduct—are not eligible. Army Veterans include those who served in the Army Air Force, Army Air Corps, Women’s Air Corps, and Army Nurse Corps.

9.  How many Veterans can I nominate?

You can honor as many Army Veterans as you want.

10.  Why are Veterans included in this recognition?

Veterans are more than deserving of special thanks for their service and sacrifice. The Freedom Team Salute Program is the only Army-wide recognition program that honors Veterans with this special tribute.

11.  How do you define an Army Supporter eligible under the Freedom Team Salute program?

Army Supporters are “those who significantly contribute to supporting Soldiers and the U.S. Army’s mission.” Examples include Veteran’s Spouses, Deployed Department of the Army Civilians, and Soldier’s children. Justification for honoring the Army Supporter needs to be provided on the commendation form

12.  Can an Army Supporter be honored multiple times?

Yes, but not more than once every 24 months.

13.  How many Army Supporters can I nominate?

You can honor as many Army Supporters as you want.

14.  How is this program similar to the Army National Guard’s employer recognition program, Freedom Salute?

The Army National Guard’s program recognizes National Guard Soldiers who have been deployed. Freedom Team Salute offers all Soldiers — Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve — the opportunity to honor their supporters. Active Army Soldiers still on active duty or in a Army National Guard or Army Reserve status are not eligible to receive the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation themselves. When they are no longer serving they are eligible as a Veteran to receive the Veteran Commendation.

15.  What do I do if I misspelled or submitted incorrect information?

Send an e-mail to freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil with your name, the recipient’s name, and shipping information. Please include both the incorrect and correct information in your submission. You can also call the Freedom Team Salute office at 703–325–4002.

16.  I am a member of an organization with many Soldiers and Army Veterans. How can I place a “batch” registration with the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute?

If you have multiple nominations to submit, please send an e-mail to freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil or call 703–325–4002 for more information.

17.  How can I check the status of my Commendation package?

Send an e-mail to freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil with the following information: date of submission, name of recipient, your name (if it is a parent/spouse/employer package), and shipping information. If Internet access is not available, call 703–325–4002 for more information.

18.  I received a copy of The Salute. Is this part of your program?

Yes, The Salute is our quarterly newsletter. It is Freedom Team Salute and the Army’s way of staying in touch and keeping you updated on your Army. As a Freedom Team Salute recipient, you will receive a copy of The Salute to the mailing address provided. Past copies are available for downloading at www.freedomteamsalute.com. You can sign up there to receive the online edition of The Salute or you can send an e-mail message to freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil. You can opt out at any time.

19.  I am having a problem with the website (general, username, login problems), what do I do?

Send an e-mail to freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil or call 703–325–4002 for more information.

20.  What do you do with the names and addresses that are supplied to you?

Names and addresses submitted to receive the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation are ONLY used to send original Commendation packages. We will never sell or give your information to a third party. Three times a year you will receive a copy of The Salute, a way for the Army to stay in touch with her Veterans. You can opt out at any time.

21.  I received an Army retiree pin in the mail. Is Freedom Team Salute the same program?

The Army Retiree Pin Program is separate from Freedom Team Salute. There is often confusion between these two programs. Army Veterans who have received an Army retiree pin are eligible for the Freedom Team Salute Commendation Package.

22.  I have more questions. What do I do?

Contact us at:

Freedom Team Salute
2461 Eisenhower Avenue
Room 1406
Alexandria, VA 22331

Phone: 703–325–4002
Fax: 703–325–3867
E-mail: freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil