Tucson, Arizona Area Chair Darren Venters presents Washington Federal's, Georgia Velarde, with the ESGR Patriot Award.  The nominator was Sgt Jeremy Pepe with the 1/158th INF, ARNG, Tucson, AZ.  Washington Federal branches in the Tucson area showcased their support on bulletin boards to allow their customers the opportunity to send packages and items to SGT Pepe during his deployment to Afghanistan.

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.  Anyone wanting additional information regarding ESGR can visit our web site at www.esgr.mil or by calling Butch Wise, Executive Director for the Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at 602-629-4031 or by email at lawrence.wise@us.army.mil