Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Ms. Marsha Ballard and Ms. Linda Stone, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, University Arkansas of Medical Sciences were honored with Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of their employee who serves in the Arkansas National Guard.

According to Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Program Specialist, “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.  Marsha Ballard, Associate Vice Chancellor of Development and Alumni Affairs, and Linda Stone, Senior Director of Operations of Development and Alumni Affairs,  were nominated by their staff member, Michelle Miller, for being highly supportive of her National Guard service. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.” Michelle is a Technical Sergeant with the Joint Force Headquarters, Arkansas Air National Guard. Michelle stated that she has never had a problem or conflict with her service in the National Guard. Michelle said, "I thank them for how very special they are for just being so incredible to us that serve".

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 Richard Green, at 501-212-4096.