LINCOLN — Sixteen Nebraska companies or agencies were recognized and thanked for their patriotism and understanding Saturday evening, June 12, in Lincoln.
 
The Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve especially praised Pro Patria award recipients in three categories.

Charles Drew Health Center of Omaha, nominated by Cpt. Thomas Weis of the US Army Reserve, was tops among small employers. In the large employer division the Pro Patria went to Lincoln Financial Group of Omaha, nominated by Sgt. Neal Stocking, a Lincoln Financial employee and member of the Nebraska Army National Guard.
 
Linda Harpster of Lincoln Financial, said, “It was truly an honor to receive this award on behalf of Lincoln Financial Group. It’s our men and women of the armed forces who really should be honored every single day for protecting our freedoms that we take for granted.”
 
The Behavioral Health Division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, nominated by Maj. Eric Hunsberger of the California Army National Guard, was unable to accept its Pro Patria in person, but was honored by Nebraska ESGR Nebraska Field Chairman Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Zink just the same.
 
Nebraska ESGR Above and Beyond awards went to: Asthma and Allergy Center, Papillion; Borsheims, Omaha; BryanLGH Medical Center, Lincoln; 21st Century Systems, Omaha; D&M Security, Kearney; Hu Hot Mongolian Grill, Omaha; ITT Technical Institute, Omaha; Linweld, Waverly; Nucor Detailing Center, Norfolk; Rural/Metro Ambulance, Omaha; Shrader Farms, Ewing; Southeast Community College Radiology Program, Lincoln; Walgreens, 14th and Superior, Lincoln.
 
The award winners, all nominated by one of their own employees who serves dual duty in the National Guard or Reserve, were singled out for their enthusiasm, understanding and support during absences for military training and deployment.

Charles Drew Health Center cutline info: (from left) nominator Capt. Thomas Weis, Zink, Dr. Richard Brown, Nebraska Adjutant General Judd Lyons.

Lincoln Financial Services cutline info: (from left) Zink, Shelley Jensen, Susan Harpster, nominator Neal Stocking, Nebraska Adjutant General Judd Lyons.

ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve personnel. Please contact Executive Director William Nelson at 402-309-7105 or email william.nelson1@us.army.mil for more information on ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities.