The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Randy Watson, Manager at Apollo Group Inc. was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Randy Watson (second on the left) manager at Apollo Group Inc., Phoenix, Arizona receives his ESGR Patriot award from his military employee (second from the right) SFC Todd A. Berggren, 96th Sustainment Brigade, USAR three days prior to deploying overseas.  Also assisting in the presentation, Mr.
Scott Essex, Arizona ESGR State Chairman (first on the right), and CSM Max Butler, AZ ARNG State Command Sergeant Major, (first on the left) and COL Jeff Tipton, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, AZ ARNG.

SFC Berggren stated that Randy provided him additional time off in preparation for his mobilization, organized funding a digital camera and a digital picture frame to take on his OIF tour, and touted the Apollo Group Inc. military support program known as "Make Whole Program" which makes up the difference between his military pay and his normal Apollo Group Salary. 

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 Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Butch Wise at 602-629-4031 or email at lawrence.wise@us.army.mil