Rogers, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Tyson Foods was honored with an “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

According to Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Program Specialist, “The ESGR ‘Above and Beyond’ Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

Tyson Foods joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Many employers provide “Above and Beyond” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

The Above and Beyond Award was presented to Mr. Ken Kimbro, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Tyson Foods. General Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, presented the award during the Arkansas Adjutant General's Joint Summit Conference. Master Sergeant Marvin Duren, a member of the 188^thFighter Wing, Air National Guard and Sergeant First Class David Rook, a member of the 142^nd Fire Brigade, Army National Guard, employees of Tyson Foods, were also present for the presentation. Sergeant Duren and Sergeant Rook have recently been deployed with the National Guard. Tyson Foods has received numerous awards from ESGR to include the Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's highest award which was awarded to Tyson Foods in 2002.

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 programs is available at www.esgr.mil.