The award is presented to one company in the state each year whose actions epitomize outstanding support for guardsmen, reservists, and their families.  The award represents the pinnacle of employer excellence and commitment to the ideals of our great nation, life, liberty and justice for all. 

The company, having won Mississippi’s highest ESGR award is eligible for consideration for the National Freedom Award.  Accepting the award on behalf of Gulf States is Mr. Danny Coggins (3rd left), along with Mark Shows (1st left), Kevin Smithey (5th left), Jeffrey Jordan (6th left), and Irving Pylate (7th left).  Presenting awards for the ESGR were (from left) Maj. Gen. William L. Freeman, Jr., the adjutant general of Mississippi (2nd left), Mr. Derwood Boyles, Mississippi ESGR chairman (center left), and Congressman Gene Taylor (right).