(Tampa, FL) – The Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Jason Minnear of the Florida Aquarium was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Florida National Guard and Reserve.

According to COL (Ret) Phillip Speake, ESGR Florida 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.  Mr. Minnear and The Florida Aquarium were nominated by Specialist Katrina Kushner, Army National Guard assigned to the 53rd HHC BSTB.

Specialist Kushmer stated “my supervisor Jason Minnear has not only been interested and supportive of my military service he has been very helpful and flexible with my work schedule at The Florida Aquarium and my training with the Guard’.

The Florida Aquarium employs 125 and has approximately 700,000 visitors per year.

Also recognized at the Ceremony was Thom Stork President and CEO, The Florida Aquarium, for his leadership and support of the Guard and Reserve.

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 provides education, consultation and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil.