North 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 Charles Pharis, Operating Room Supervisor of Baptist Health, North Little Rock was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

According to Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Support 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.  Charles Pharis was nominated for being highly supportive of the National Guard and Reserve Service by his employee, Major Christopher Coven, who is a member with the 189 Airlift Wing Medical Group, Arkansas Air National Guard. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

Major Coven said, "Charles Pharis has three employees who are Guard and Reservist and have deployed in support of the Global War on Terror for a total of seventy-four months. Charles goes above and beyond in committing his time and resources to the military, its members and their families and exemplifies the warrior ethos and true patriot spirit necessary for us to perform our military duties without any reservations or worries about the home front".

Mr. Keith Owens, Vice President of Baptist Health, North Little Rock stated, "We so appreciate the service by our employees of Baptist Health who are members of the Guard and Reserve. By their dedication in protecting our freedom and liberties, we are able to enjoy our lives day to day here at home".

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.