Laconia, NH – The New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Leland Beachy, VP Information Security of Laconia Savings Bank was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee CW3 Ralph Wegner who serves in the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

According to Ted Kehr ESGR New Hampshire State Chair, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. 

Leland Beachy, VP Information Security was nominated for being highly supportive of his employee, Ralph Wegner of Strafford, NH. Ralph is a Warrant Officer (CW3) with the NH Army National Guard in Concord. He writes, “Lee has been very supportive of my military service. He knows my civilian job is similar to my military position so that I get extra training and experiences on drill weekends and during Annual Training. Because of my position in the Army National Guard I have had occasion to have very short fused requests to support the NHARNG which he has supported wholeheartedly”.

Upon receiving the award, Leland stated “Guard employees are people who in their heart of hearts are willing to serve and to contribute.  That spirit makes them exactly the kind of employee that helps make Laconia Savings a successful part of the New Hampshire communities that we serve.  We are delighted to have the members of the National Guard as a part of our banking family.”

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR contact Jim Goss, Executive Director NHESGR (603) 731-5513.