FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, honored 9 employers from the tri-county area at a luncheon on Tuesday, April 27 hosted by Broward Health. These awards were presented in recognition of extraordinary support from employers who went above and beyond from their employees who currently serve in the Florida National 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 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR can be found at www.esgr.mil.

According to Phillip Speake, the ESGR Florida Chair, “These Awards are 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.” In attendance as the guest speaker was Brigadier General Michael Fleming – Assistant Adjutant General, Florida Army National Guard.

The following list of award recipients were recognized for being highly supportive of their reserve component employees.  These supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.

Broward Sherriff’s Office
Broward Health
CB Richard Ellis
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale
Kaplan University
Paladin Academy
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office
Publix SuperMarkets
Software House

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.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Maureen Esposito 954.933.6823.