Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, is a Department of Defense volunteer organization that provides free education and consultation for employers of U.S. armed forces guard and reserve employees. ESGR's goal is to support America's employers who share their employees with the nation.   Representatives from ESGR, along with Rear Admiral John G. Messerschmidt, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, visited New Orleans March 20 to present the Above and Beyond award to Entergy in recognition of the company’s staunch support for its employees who serve in the United States Guard and Reserve forces.   EGSR recognized Entergy because of Entergy system dispatcher and Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer David Snyder’s nomination. In his nomination entry, Snyder wrote:
“Entergy has always provided me with a high level of service as both a veteran and when I informed them of my decision to re-affiliate with the Navy Reserve … this company shows a high level of commitment to our country and the people who volunteer to protect her … In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm the high standard of commitment that Entergy has provided to me, my family and all the other veterans, guardsmen and reservists that work for the company.”
Welcoming the ESGR and Navy Reserve guests to the event, Entergy Utility Group President Gary Taylor said, “I think it’s a great day. I really appreciate your taking the time to come be with us and, Dave [Snyder], thank you so much for what you’ve done for our company and what you’ve done for our country.”   When retired Cdr. Larry L. Jones, USCG and ESGR committee member presented the award to him, Taylor added, “I was just doing an employee meeting, and we have another employee in Mississippi who is being deployed for 400 days starting next week. It was a privilege to talk with him and do whatever we can do to support the effort. This is very meaningful.”    Adm. Messerschmidt thanked ESGR, Snyder and Entergy for helping to support the 56,000 men and women in the Navy Reserve. Describing Entergy's support of Snyder, he said, "To me, that speaks of commitment but, more importantly, the understanding of why we have a reserve component. So on the behalf of the United States Navy, I'd like to recognize and laud you for what you do."   The Above and Beyond award is Entergy’s first hurdle toward potentially earning the the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member. The award was created to publicly recognize employers who provide exceptional support to their National Guard and Reserve employees.  
Entergy employee service members who wish to nominate the company for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award should contact T.K. Armington, ESGR employer outreach director, to tell their stories, either by phone at 225-755-7096 or e-mail at tkarmington@bellsouth.net.