(Louisville, Ky.) – Thirteen businesses were recently honored in Jefferson County for being strong supporters of the National Guard and Reserve. Company representatives were on hand to accept awards ranging from Patriot Awards to Above and Beyond Awards to Statements of Support. The companies that were recognized are:

 Metropolitan Sewer District
 U.S. Attorneys' Office (Louisville)
 Usher Transport
 Global Services
 Lincoln Heritage Council
 Jefferson County Public schools
 Humana
 Kroger
 Enersys
 Transtech
 UPS
 IPISC
 BAE Systems

 “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units,” said Bob Silverthorn, chair of the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense. “It’s an honor to recognize these folks for what they do to support our men and women in the Guard and Reserve.”

The Patriot Award recognizes individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who are in the guard and reserve. The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employers for the same support and cooperation.
 
 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through informal mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

 As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling Rosemary Miller, program support specialist of the Kentucky ESGR Committee, at
(502) 454-1316.