Redmond, WA – The Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Dave Strizzi, President of Univar USA was honored with a Above and Beyond Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

LINCOLN – The Lincoln Electric System received two Patriot Awards recently from the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
 

"The Above and Beyond Award was presented to Kelly McConnell, of Givens Pursley Law Firm in Boise on Dec. 14, 2009. Kelly, a lawyer with Givens Pursley, provided Pro Bono representation to correct the birth certificate of an Idaho National Guard soldier who was wounded by an IED and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury."

RALEIGH, N.C.— Gov. Beverly Eaves Perdue signed a Statement of Support for our uniformed military Feb. 16, during a signing ceremony at the Old House Chamber, North Carolina State Capital.

North Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Charles Pharis, Operating Room Supervisor of Baptist Health, North Little Rock was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

The men and women of Kansas serving in the military were honored Thursday, February 18, 2010,  at the Capitol for their dedication in protecting the nation's freedom and economic opportunity.

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Jack and Sue Bridges, owners of The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo were honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the Arkansas National Guard.

KEARNEY – An entire department at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney has been honored, and thanked, for how it supports one of its own.  Todd Stover, director of the Invasive Cardiology and Perfusion Lab at Good Samaritan, recently accepted the ESGR Patriot Award for the entire department.

Fort Smith, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Deborah Bader, Nurse Manager of St. Edward Mercy Medical Center was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

The New Mexico Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, State Chairman for Employer Support for Guard and Reserve, Budgie Green, and the Executive Vice President from Applied Research Associates Incorporated (ARA), Dr. Frank A. Maestas, look on as the Chief Executive Officer and President for Applied Research Associates Incorporated, Dr. Robert Sues, signs the National Statement of Support (SOS) on Jan. 13, 2010 showing the company’s total support of their Guard and Reservist employees.  ARA has over 1500 employees in 21 divisions throughout the United States.  Photo by Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, 200^th PAD

HOOPER –Hoegemeyer Hybrids of Hooper was recently the recipient of a Patriot Award, presented by the Nebraska Committee for the Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee who serves in the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (DE ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that American Legion Ambulance Station 64’s Allan Post signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.  Richard Ruben, DE ESGR Volunteer, conducted the signing ceremony on February 9, 2010, at the employer’s Glenwood Avenue facility in Smyrna, DE.  American Legion Ambulance Station 64 has 3 employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Manchester, NH -- The New Hampshire Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (NHESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, honored the state’s most supportive employers during an awards and recognition luncheon at the committee’s Annual Training and Awards Program held in Manchester at St. Anselm College on January 9, 2010.

Smyrna, DE – Ms. Donna McCullin, Delaware ESGR Volunteer, honored Mr. Ronald Stoner, Esq. of Ronald Stoner, P.A. in Newark, DE with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of his employee whose spouse serves in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by Army National Guard member SSG Orlando Nieves.   SSG Nieves serves in the Delaware Army National Guard’s 261^st Signal Brigade who has recently returned from a deployment in Iraq. 

Anchorage, AK -- Col. Tom Bergeson, 3rd Wing Commander; Col. Eric Overturf, 477th Fighter Group Commander; and Mr. Rich Owen, State Chair for the Employee Alaska Support for the Guard and Reserve cut the ribbon at the 477th's new facility. The 477th Fighter Group is Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 Raptor unit. It is a Classic Associate unit responsible for recruiting, training, developing and retaining Citizen Airmen to support Expeditionary Air Force mission requirements.  

Venice, FL -- Over thirty people were on hand 16 January in Venice, Florida, to recognize three local employers who provide outstanding support to their dual career citizen soldiers. Sarasota County Commission Chair Joe Barbetta presented ESGR’s Patriot Awards to Jim Pero Venice Postmaster, Dr. Ken Pfahler of the Cardiology Center of Englewood, and Lt. Bill Tracy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s office.

Maumelle, Arkansas – Richard Green, Program Specialist of the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Leaf Guard of Arkansas, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.  The signing ceremony occurred at the Leaf Guard Company in Maumelle during a live radio show by KARN Radio, a local radio station with Jennifer Williams and Evelyn Smith of Leaf Guard of Arkansas and Dave Elswick of KARN Radio. 

Manchester, NH -- The New Hampshire Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (NHESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, presented The Pease Greeters organization with the Seven Seals Award during an awards luncheon at the committee’s annual meeting held in Manchester at St. Anselm College on January 9, 2010.

Auburn, AL – Russell Summerlin, State Chairman of The Alabama Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announces that The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center was honored with a Seven Seals Award in recognition of their support of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve mission.

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – More than 60 Kentucky school districts have signed Statements of Support (SoS) demonstrating their commitment to supporting their employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve. The signings took place during the Kentucky School Board Association’s annual conference in Louisville January 22-23. 

An ESGR Patriot Award is presented to Doug Eskra of Walgreens at 14th and Superior in Lincoln. Shown: (from left) are Kathy Smith of Walgreens, SSG Douglas Carlson, Eskra and Bill Nelson of Nebraska ESGR.
Carlson presented the award with thanks from his wife, Capt. Mikayla Carlson of the Nebraska Air Guard, currently deployed in Germany. Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers work with citizen soldiers and their civilian employers to mitigate problems and recognize outstanding employer cooperation.
 

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

(Louisville, Ky.) – Thirteen businesses were recently honored in Jefferson County for being strong supporters of the National Guard and Reserve. Company representatives were on hand to accept awards ranging from Patriot Awards to Above and Beyond Awards to Statements of Support.

Mr. Pat Carr, ITT Program Manager, SpaceLift Range Support, Patrick, AFB receives Patriot Award from Florida Committee Member, Herman Garrett, before a gathering of approximately 90 contractor, civil service and military personnel attending a quarterly review of the “Range Status”, 12 January 2010.

Smyrna, DE – LTC Angela Showell, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Mr. Frank Guidry of Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Millsboro, DE with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by employee and Air Force Reservist Senior Airman Sylvester Rickards.  SrA Rickards serves in the US Air Force Reserve 512^th Airlift Wing/LRF, Dover Air Force Base, DE.  Mr. Guidry also served our country in the Marine Reserves.

Smyrna, DE – Frank Dobson, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Ms. Edna Wyatt of Laboratory Corp. of America in New Castle, DE with a Patriot Award in recognition of her extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by employee and Reservist PVT Christine Martin.

Atlanta, GA – James McGarrah, Chair of the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Senator Johnny Isakson, United States Senator for Georgia, signed a Statement of Support for our men and women in uniform on January 8, 2010.  The signing ceremony was held at 3:30 p.m. at Senator Isakson’s Office, 3625 Cumberland Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30339. 

Col. Eric Overturf, Commander, 477th Fighter Group looks on as Mr. Rich Owens, ESGR State Chair for the state of Alaska, presents the Alaska Aces with the Seven Seals award before their hockey game 9 Jan. against the Utah Grizzlies.  The award is being accepted by Mr. Terry Parks, Managing Partner for the Alaska Aces.  The award presentation kicked off a night that highlighted the Alaska Reserve unit and reminded the community that the Reserve are in Alaska and are hiring for full and part-time positions.

Smyrna, DE – Steve Niewinski, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Mr. Perry Sammons of City of Dover’s Sanitation Department with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by employee and Guard member SFC Don Stevens.  SFC Steven serves in the Delaware Army National Guard’s 261st Signal Brigade who have just returned from a deployment in Iraq.

Little Rock, Arkansas – Richard Green, Program Specialist with the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  The signing ceremony occurred at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Headquarters.  

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (DE ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Grotto Pizza owner, Dominick Pulieri signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  The signing ceremony occurred at the corporate headquarters for Grotto Pizza in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Grotto’s employs over 25 employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
 

St. John employees, from left Sally Reese, CFO Tammy Storino and Magul Ahmath St. John employees, from left Sally Reese, CFO Tammy Storino and Magul Ahmath Ahmath, a corporal in the Army National Guard, has worked for five years in St. John’s finance department. When he and his Orange County-based unit were deployed to Iraq, the company saved his job, as required by law, but also continued his benefits.
That was the beginning.

Smyrna, DE – Steve Niewinski, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Mr. George Middleton from Transportation at the Red Clay School District with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by employee and Guard member SPC Alan Beecham.  SPC Beecham serves in the Army National Guard HHC /1/114th INF, Woodbury, NJ.

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, BEDFORD, MA. January 12, 2010. After finishing a fantastic repast in the Hanscom Minuteman Club, MA State Chair, Mr. Tom Boyle, convened the quarterly meeting of the twenty six MAESGR Committee Members in attendance. Chairman Boyle's first order of business was to introduce two very distinguished guests of honor. The guest speaker of the evening was Massachusetts Secretary for Veterans' Services Captain, (USN) (RET) Thomas G, Kelley, Medal of Honor Recipient. He earned the gratitude of our nation for his actions in the Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, on June 15, 1969. The committee then welcomed another guest, who is also a Medal of Honor recipient, Captain (USN) (RET) Thomas Hudner Jr. CAPT Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Korean War as a Navy pilot who crash landed his own aircraft to save a fellow pilot who was shot down. He was the Secretary of MA Department of Veterans' Services prior to Secretary Kelley's appointment and is also Past Chair of The MAESGR Committee.

(METROPOLIS, Ill.) – The U.S. Foodservice Paducah, Ky. Division was honored today with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees who serve in the Kentucky National Guard and Reserves. The presentation was made by the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense.

Kansas City, Missouri – Brigadier General (Retired) Tracy Beckette, State Chair of the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Jim Harte, Chief Engineer, and John Starr, CEO, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on 12-15-09.  The signing ceremony occurred at the place of business 1414 W. 29^th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ms. Paulette Mason, State Chair for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Lt. Christopher Harper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The presentation took place at the VA’s Elsmere, DE facility, and in the company of other fellow managers and staff.  The recipient was nominated by employee and Guard member MSG Kenneth J. Knox who serves in the Delaware Air National Guard 166^thAir Wing, New Castle, DE.

Birmingham, AL – Patriotic Employer Awards were presented to Jefferson County, Alabama Sheriff Mike Hale and Detective Sergeant Jason Reach by Detective Ronny Short on December 16 for their support in his service with the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard. Sheriff Hale and Detective Reach also signed Statements of Support. Representing the Alabama Committee, Employer Support of Guard and Reserve were State Chair Russell Summerlin and District 6 Chair John Griscom.

Smyrna, DE – Robert Welch, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Mr. Lew Wood of Amtrak with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The presentation took place at Amtrak’s Bear, DE facility, and in the company of other fellow managers and staff. The recipients was nominated by employee and Guard member Tech. Sgt. Michael Lawson who serves in the Delaware Air National Guard 166th CES, New Castle, DE.

An invitation to attend the Thirteenth Graduation of the NPS Homeland Security Master's Degree Program turns out two Statement of Supports signings and also future outreach possibilities at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Smyrna, DE – Robert Welch, Volunteer Committee Member for the Delaware Committee for ESGR honored Ms. Michelle Massey and Mr. Richard Massey of SERVPRO, Bear, DE location with a Patriot Award in recognition of their extraordinary support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipients were nominated by employee and Guard member SSgt Amanda Dixon.  SSgt Dixon serves in the Delaware Air National Guard 142nd Airlift Squadron, New Castle, DE.

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Ms. Marsha Ballard and Ms. Linda Stone, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, University Arkansas of Medical Sciences were honored with Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of their employee who serves in the Arkansas National Guard.

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.’s Delaware Chapter signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Thursday, December 17, 2009.   Mr. Ed Capodanno, President, signed for ABC Delaware. The support signing comes, following encouragement sent by ABC National Chairman, Mr. William Fairchild last year to all ABC chapters to follow suit, after the ABC Executive Committee signed their own Statement of Support.    

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Kent County Levy Court signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, December 15, 2009.  Presented by ESGR Chair Emeritus, Mr. Gene Hebert, the Levy Court read its ESGR Statement of Support, as part of the official minutes of the meeting.   Each Commissioner was presented with an ESGR lapel pin.  The employer has three employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. 

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Thurday, December 17, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred at the River Road Training Facililty of the Delaware National Guard.

Los Alamitos.CA.  The California Committee of ESGR participated in a significant job event at this Southern California base recently.  The program was initiated by the Army Reserve and the National Guard signed on to help with employment for their soliders.  The effort was promoted by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Joint Council 42 and Helmet to Hard Hats.
 

ARLINGTON, Va. – Across the nation, members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families have the opportunity to give the gift of thanks to supportive employers this holiday season by nominating them for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. National Guard and Reserve members and their families are encouraged to visit www.FreedomAward.mil through January 18, 2010 to nominate employers for the 15^th Anniversary Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Award nominees will be recognized by the Department of Defense and announced in March 2010. The 15 award recipients will be announced in early summer. 

GROTON, Conn--The christening of the new USS Missouri Submarine (SSN-780) was recently held at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.

Alexandria, VA – The National School Boards Association (NSBA) board of directors has endorsed the efforts of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (EGSR) to provide training for employers on the rights of workers who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Atlanta, GA – James McGarrah, Chair of the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Senator Saxby Chambliss, United States Senator for Georgia, signed a Statement of Support for our men and women in uniform on December 14, 2009.  The signing ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. at Senator Chambliss’ Office, 100 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339. 

Washington, DC - Mr. James G. Rebholz, National Chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, appointed the following as new State and U.S. Territory Chairs of the Committees for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.  The oath of office was administered by the Honorable Dennis M McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. 

Twin Cities, MN— The month of November for the MN ESGR was driven by the theme, “multiple outcomes for a single event”.  This theme was made evident in the Statement of Support Signings with U.S. Bancorp and 3M Company.  

The Alabama ESGR Program was honored to have National ESGR Chairman, Mr. James Rebholz, attend our Quarterly Executive Committee meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 9-11, 2009. Mr. Rebholz also attended National Veterans Day in Birmingham activities. He was seated at the head table and recognized as the National ESGR Chairman at the Veterans Day Awards Dinner on Tuesday, November 10. The Birmingham Veterans Day activities are recognized as the oldest and largest veterans celebration in the United States.

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Dillard's was honored with  Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

Under 5 U.S.C. 5538, employing agencies must pay differential payments to eligible Federal civilian employees who are members of the Reserve or National Guard (hereafter referred to as "reservists") called or ordered to active duty under certain specified provisions of law. Federal agencies must provide a payment—a "reservist differential"—equal to the amount by which an employee’s projected civilian "basic pay" for a covered pay period exceeds the employee’s actual military "pay and allowances" allocable to that pay period.

To read more, go to OPM.gov

Terry and Pattie Parks of the Alaska Aces accepted the Seven Seals Award from the Alaska ESGR Committee during the Marine Corps Birthday Ball 21 Nov 2009.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Sergeant Richard Carroll of the Rhode Island Army National Guard and a Senior Analyst in Customer Accounts-Adjustments presented Patriot Awards to members of the Customer Accounts Department at Covidien.  Rich has been an active member of the Guard for 19 years and a Covidien employee for 10 years.

North Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Brenda Lewis, Manager, Customer Service Division, Department of Veterans Affairs was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of her employee who serves in the Air Force Reserve.

 BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, commanding general, United States Army Reserve, visits with USAR service members to gain situational awareness concerning the Afghanistan Theater; gain firsthand knowledge of the conditions, progress and challenges; address issues regarding Reserve deployment policies, procedures, training, and quality of life., at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 30.

Traditionally, Military Appreciation Day at ECU is a chance for the university to thank the brave men and women who serve in our nation's armed forces by offering them a small token of our appreciation—tickets to a home football game—along with recognition by and showings of support from the Pirate Nation during the game. This year, however, the university was on the receiving end as the U.S. Department of Defense honored ECU for its support of National Guard and military reservists employed by the university.

Newport, NH – Mr Ted Kehr, Chairman of the New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that the Sugar River Bank received a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Thursday, November 19, 2009.  The recognition ceremony took place at their Newport, NH location, with the presentation being made by Chairman Kehr and Executive Director Jim Goss of the NH Committee.

On November 11th 2009, Montana’s senior United States Senator, Mr. Max Baucus joined with thousands of American Employers who have signed a Statement of Support with their local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee. While attending a Veteran’s Issues Roundtable discussion in Great Falls, MT U.S Senator Baucus joined with the Montana ESGR State Chairman, Mr. Michael Flaherty, along with a group of ESGR volunteers and local military representatives to conduct a Statement of Support signing event. By signing with the MT-ESGR committee Senator Baucus publicly displayed his support of Montana’s National Guard and Reserve components, and their defense of our State and Nation.

Sue Wimmer, assistant director-protection management for Union Pacific Railroad was honored by Employment Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) for her long-term outstanding support of Union Pacific’s employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve forces.

Mr. Laurence G. O’Neil, SHRM President and CEO, Mr. William Maroni, Chief External Affairs officer, and Mr. Michael Layman, Manager of Labor and Employment took flight from Andrews Air Force Base on an ESGR Bosslift  hosted by the Air Force Reserve on a KC-135 Air Refueling Tanker.

Louisville, Ky. — Six officials at the University of Louisville have received Patriot Awards for their outstanding dedication and service to Kentucky Guard and Reserve members.

Mayor John Marks, President of the Florida League of Cities accepts the Seven Seals Award from the Florida ESGR Committee during its 19 Nov 2009 Board Meeting in Orlando. 

On November 13, 2009, thirteen employers and two committee members boarded a C23 to Fort Benning, GA to observe Urban Operations Training and the Army Rangers Demo.  The first stop upon landing was a photo op in front of the famous “Follow Me” statue.  Employers had the opportunity to ask numerous questions of Georgia Guard Soldiers as they dined with them at one of the dining facilities.  Employers visited the rifle range as well as the Army Marksmanship Unit in which they were briefed on the various weapons used by the Army.
 

Raleigh, NC– Bud Baker, Field Chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced Temple Sloan III, President, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in October 2009 at CARQUEST’s Corporate Office.  
 

SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Gary R. Herbert signed a declaration proclaiming November 8 through 14, 2009 as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve week in Utah in a ceremony at the State Capitol.

Statements of Support (SOS) for the National Guard and Reserve were signed on November 7 in Washington, Arkansas. The Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, directed the event.
 

154 Guard and Reserve members have taken the time to nominate their supportive employers for the 2010 SECDEF Freedom Award at www.FreedomAward.mil.  Read some excerpts from their nominations:

The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created by Act 695 of 2008 Louisiana Legislature.  The intention is to recognize and honor all Louisiana veterans.  One side of the medal bears an outline of the state and the words, “United States Armed Forces.”  The flip side reads, “Louisiana appreciates your service to our country.”  All medals may be worn over the neck or pinned on a jacket.  Some medals are distinguished for veterans killed in action or wounded in action; others designate veterans who were prisoners of war.

(Tampa, FL) – The Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Jason Minnear of the Florida Aquarium was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Florida National Guard and Reserve.

Coronado Island, California- The California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently worked along side the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) during a panel discussion for the Annual MOAA National Conference held in the beautiful city of Coronado Island.

The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Georgina Fierros, Tucson Veteran's Hospital, Tucson, Arizona was honored with a Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of the veterans who served our country.

LINCOLN ­ The top job at the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is in new hands.  Major General (retired) Walter Zink assumed the Nebraska ESGR field committee chairmanship, a volunteer position, from Lieutenant General (Nebraska retired) Roger Lempke.

A Patriot Award was presented today to Ms. Teresa Mattern, Southeast Community College Radiology Department, for her outstanding support to SSgt Jennifer Gubbels, 155th Services Flight, Nebraska Air National Guard. 

Green Valley, Arizona, October 18, 2009 -The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Derek Cooke, Mine Operations Manager, Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Green Valley, Arizona was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the Arizona Army National Guard.

(Columbus, Ohio) – Anthony Augello, Executive Director of the Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mary Jo Hudson, Director, Ohio Department of Insurance, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on 26 October 2009. 

El Segundo, California–The California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) agency is proud to announce that Mattel was recently presented the Pro Patria Award, the second highest honor bestowed on an employer by the Department of Defense.

Green Valley, Arizona - The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Norali Cota, Supervisor, Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Green Valley, Arizona was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the Arizona Army National Guard.
 

Old Chicago - Southpointe, Lincoln, NE, supports their staff in uniform.  Shane Rue, General Manager, Old Chicago, proudly displays his Statement of Support he signed on Friday, 16 October.

ARLINGTON, Va. – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, today announced the opening of the nomination season for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible and encouraged to nominate employers who have provided exceptional support of military employees above the federal law requirements.  Nominations will be accepted at www.FreedomAward.mil from November 2, 2009 to January 18, 2010.  The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Plaistow, NH – Mr Ted Kehr, Chair of the New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that two local businesses each recently received a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.  The recognition took place at their respective company locations with the presentation being made by Jim Goss, Executive Director of the NH Committee.

ASHLAND, Ky. - Ashland resident Ernest M. Pitt Jr. has been named Area 4 director for the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), according to Bob Silverthorn, Kentucky ESGR field chair.

West Monroe, Louisiana – Jack Humphries, Field Chair of the Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that, Louisiana Sectary of State Jay Dardenne, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred at the Pentecostals Men's Luncheon.  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Commerce Bank, in St. Joseph, Mo., knows how to support its military members.  Three supervisors at the Felix Street branch were presented a Patriot Award on Tuesday by John Murawski of the Missouri Committee of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. President Emil Sechter, Senior Vice-President Bob Dempster and Executive Vice-President Corky Marquart were nominated for the award by Sgt. Rob Payeur, of the 139th Airlift Wing, who serves as a commercial relationship manager at the bank.

Bruce Smith, National Pro-football League Hall of Fame Defensive End publicly acknowledges his support of National Guard and Reserve members by signing an ESGR Statement of Support on October 13, 2009 during Fleet Week at the Naval Station, Norfolk.  ESGR Tidewater Committee member, CDR Doyle Quisenberry, USNR Ret. observes the signed statement by" The King of Sack" (200). As guest speaker on "Teamwork". Bruce Smith said "I am honored to be asked to speak to sailors, who are sacrificing their own security for ours. I am humbled". His talk on traits of a successful team was an inspiration to all attendees.

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that two officers of the Barnstead, New Hampshire Fire & Rescue were honored with “Patriot Awards” in recognition of their extraordinary support of their employee, Sergeant Harold Arey, who serves in the Individual Ready Reserve of the United States Marine Corps.

North Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Jim Lindsey, Owner of Lindsey Management, was honored with a Seven Seals Award in recognition of his support of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve mission.

The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Grace Huang, Customer Team Manager, Pacific Coast JV Region with Merck and Company, Scottsdale, Arizona was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the United States Navy Reserve.

National Guard men and women are getting more than just a pat on the back and a thank you from the capital city.

LITTLE ROCK – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and two supervisors were recognized today by the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, for their support of employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced nearly 25 employers of 512th Airlift Wing reservists participated in Employer Appreciation Day Oct. 3 at the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware.

The Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve sponsors the Bosslift in an effort to educate employers about the sacrifices guard and reserve personnel make.

ELLENWOOD, GA -- The Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the Atlanta Falcons with a Statement of Support certificate on September 22, 2009 at the Georgia National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, 5019 GA Hwy 42, Ellenwood, GA 30294.

Kansas City, Missouri – The Missouri Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Michael Carter, owner, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of the employees who serve in the Kansas National Guard and Reserve.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department of Jonesboro, Louisiana received the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department was selected as one of only 15 employers from across the nation to receive a 2009 Freedom Award.  The Freedom Award was presented to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department during a formal ceremony Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. 

Virginia Beach – Mr. Roger Trout, State Chair of the Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Frederick Whyte, President, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, July 28, 2009.  The signing ceremony took place at the Stihl, USA Headquarters in Virginia Beach.  On hand for the signing ceremony was Mr. Roger Trout, Chairman, ESGR Virginia Committee, COL Tom Stephen, Executive Director, Virginia Committee, ESGR, CAPT Fred Berck, Chairman, Tidewater Committee, CAPT Kevin Olds, USCGR, Employer, Recruiting Manager for STIHL and PO2 Amy Lee, USNR, another STIHL employee, Randall Phelps, Tidewater Committee member, LT Bob Schwectin, and Doyle Quisenberry, CDR, USNR Ret.  Mr. Roger Trout presided over the ceremony for ESGR.

ARLINGTON, Va. (October 19, 2009) – The Pentagon’s chief civilian officer for Guard and Reserve affairs joined top military officials at the Pentagon on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, to pledge their support of the nation’s employers of Guard and Reserve members. Dennis M. McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, was the first to sign the Statement of Support.

Morrilton, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Chief of Police, Norbert Gunderman of the Morrilton Police Department was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

Jacksonville, Arkansas – Richard Green, Program Specialist of the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that the Honorable Gary Fletcher, Mayor of Jacksonville, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Friday, September 25, 2009.   The signing ceremony was in the Mayors Office in Jacksonville. 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A group of civilian employers of National Guard and Reserve members in Alabama participated in a Boss Lift on Sept. 9-10 to Norfolk Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A volunteer from Sioux Falls was awarded the National Guard Association of the United States’ Patrick Henry Award for exceptional service Sept. 12 during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn.

Hot Springs, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that the Hot Springs Office of the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

St. JOSEPH, Mo. – More than 30 employers from the St. Joseph and Kansas City, Mo., areas got on board with the 139th Airlift Wing Wednesday at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that on August 20th 2009 the Louisiana Department of Public Safety/Capitol Detail Captain Virginia Holmes Commander of the Detail was honored with a “Patriot Award” in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Louisiana National Guard and Reserves.

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Ms. Lynda A. Messick, President & CEO of Community Bank Delaware signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred at the bank’s Rehoboth location.

DES MOINES, Iowa – September 8, 2009 – Three Iowa employers received the Iowa Freedom Awards in a ceremony today with Governor Chet Culver, Dick Rue, chairman of the Iowa Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and other ESGR officials.  In addition, Governor Culver signed a Proclamation designating the week of Sept. 14-20 as Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.

Washington, DC - Mr. James G. Rebholz, National Chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, appointed the following as new State and U.S. Territory Chairs of the Committees for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.  The oath of office was administered by the Honorable Dennis M McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. 

Washington, DC - All 15 Secretary of DefenseEmpoyer Support Freedom Award recipients went to the Pentagon to meet with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

Londonderry, NH – Mr Ted Kehr, Chair of the New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Bud and Janice Lefebvre, owners of Lefebvre’s Auto Repair, received a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.  The recognition ceremony took place at their Londonderry location, with the presentation being made by Jim Goss, Executive Director of the NH Committee.

Loudon, New Hampshire was the site for the second Employer Job Fair held at the Motor Speedway. The event took place on August 27, 2009. The event sponsored in part by WMUR-TV saw 7,000 participants throughout the day taking advantage of the great weather and the ability to gather information from many prospective employers.

Marvin Copes, Employer Outreach Director for the Alabama Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), presented Oliver North an ESGR Statement of Support at the Freedom Concert on Aug. 22 in Atlanta.  North, in turn,  presented Copes with an autographed copy of his book, American Heroes. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation.

The Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Randy Watson, Manager at Apollo Group Inc. was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the United States Army Reserve.

Los Alamitos, California– On Saturday, August 22, 2009 new members of the Southern California ESGR Committee were trained by their seasoned volunteer counterparts at the impressive Veteran’s Service Center onboard the Los Alamitos  Joint Forces Training Base.

Tan Holdings President Jerry Tan, together with 16 other supervisors and managers from Tan Holdings, backed the men and women in the Guard and Reserve on August 15 by signing a statement of support for their re-employment.

Some 40 bosses form West Virginia recently had an opportunity to tour military installations in Biloxi-Gulfport, MS, with members of the WV Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves Committee.  The purpose of the trip was to allow employers to see the training and skills of their deployed employees, and to acknowledge their own contribution to national defense.

CHICAGO – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn appeared on the Jonathan Brandmeier (Johnny B) Radio Show (WLUP–FM) and during the live broadcast he signed new legislation enhancing entitlements for Illinois Guard and Reserve members. Governor Quinn also signed the ESGR Statement of Support (SOS) on behalf of the State of Illinois.

De Queen, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Nichia Davis, Base Supervisor of Southwest EMS was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the Arkansas National Guard.

WARRENVILLE, IL – Pauline K. Brunelli, Acting Executive Director, National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, was joined by IL ESGR members for an early morning assembly at the Navistar Defense Headquarters.  Dozens of Navistar Defense employees lined balconies and stairways to observe Ms. Brunelli present the ESGR Statement of Support to Navistar Defense, LLC. 

OISE, ID (N3) - Federal employment law protects military reservists who deploy overseas. It means that when national guard soldiers from the Northwest come home, they can be assured they can go back to their old jobs. That means a lot to the Washington National Guard soldiers who just returned from Iraq and the Oregon troops who recently began a tour of duty there. But it's a strain for some employers who have to cover for their absent employees. The military is trying to teach the bosses of citizen soldiers what overseas deployments mean. KPLU's Doug Nadvornick reports.

LINCOLN ‹Passengers aboard a CH 47 Chinook helicopter and a C-23 Sherpa small cargo plane next Monday are in for some excitement and a long but enlightening day.

ROCKY HILL, Conn. – The Connecticut Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently honored its 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award nominees at a ceremony held at Bradley Air National Guard Base. 
 

Wilmington, DE - 15 JUL 2009 - Ms. Judy Zaal, volunteer committee member for ESGR Delaware, honored Mike Treml of I.D. Griffith Inc., with the Patriot Award in recognition of his outstanding patriotic support and cooperation over the years to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. 
 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, is a Department of Defense volunteer organization that provides free education and consultation for employers of U.S. armed forces guard and reserve employees. ESGR's goal is to support America's employers who share their employees with the nation.  

ARLINGTON, VA –The Department of Defense has announced the recipients of the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. 

Saint Paul, MN– The Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Ruth Vegdahl, supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales and Use Tax Division, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of her extraordinary support of employee and SGT Chris Determan who recently returned from a one year deployment in Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard.
 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Jimmy Field was honored with an “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Louisiana National Guard and Reserves.
 

Each step you took caused little puffs of white dust to billow in the air about 6-inches off the ground around your shoes.  It looked like we were walking in flour spilled on a bakery floor!  It was hot, desert hot and dry. Welcome to Texas where the locals even call it a "West Texas shoeshine."

The 2009 Nevada ESGR Annual Employer Recognition Event took place on June 25th at Fallon Naval Air Station in Fallon, NV.  The day began early for the employers from the southern area, they met at the Las Vegas Readiness Center at 4:30 a.m. to take a commercial flight to Reno.

The Southern California Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department Defense agency that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.  Our goal is to support these patriotic employers who share their most valuable resource, their employees, with the Nation to ensure our Country’s national security.
 

Concord, North Carolina – Bud Baker, Field Chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Tucker, Owners, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on June 22, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred at the corporate office in Concord, North Carolina.  
 

Paso Robles, California– The Southern California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, is proud to announce that Lance Silver, co-owner of Tobin James Cellars of Paso Robles, California recently signed a Statement of Support (SOS) showing the winery’s support of all the brave men and women who serve in the California National Guard and Reserve.
 

BOURNE, MA. June 5, 2009. On an overcast and rainy South-Coast morning, sixty-seven civilian employers of members of the National Guard & Reserve Components gathered at 0800 Hours at the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office to begin a day of visits to units of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard and US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve. Welcome aboard greetings were given by MAESGR Field Chair Tom Boyle, Program Support Specialist Dave St. Germain who organized and coordinated the event and Deputy Sheriff Dave Neil representing Sheriff Cummings and the 353 Men and Women of the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department. The employers and MA ESGR Guides loaded onto busses provided by the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the MA Air National Guard and were transported between all venues for the remainder of the day.
 

Ms. Judy Zaal, volunteer committee member for ESGR, honored the firm’s leadership, James Handy and James Moore, Sr., of Chalmers & Kubeck (C&K) with a Patriot Award in recognition of their outstanding patriotic support and cooperation over the years to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Laconia, NH – The New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Leland Beachy, VP Information Security of Laconia Savings Bank was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee CW3 Ralph Wegner who serves in the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 29, 2009) – Governor Steve Beshear proclaimed July 2009 as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve month in Kentucky in a ceremony today at the state Capitol.
 

York – Consider some of the numbers: 5,640, $210,591,891, $783,389,638 and $664,020,987.  Those figures for 2009 represent (in order): The total count of Nebraska Army and Air National Guard personnel, their annual payroll, value of their equipment and resources in the state and, finally, the value of real property and capital assets held by the Guard in Nebraska.
 

(Marietta, GA) – Tom Wessels, Field Chair of the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Maj. Gen. James T. Rubeor, Commander, 22nd Air Force, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Monday, June 8, 2009.  The signing ceremony was held at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, GA.  

(San Antonio, TX)---The Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee, representing the National Committee for ESGR presented Senator Leticia Van de Putte with the Department of Defense Exceptional Support Award during a special ceremony held at the Sam Houston VFW Post #76 Building on June 23, 2009.
 

York – Denny Rasmussen and Roy Steiner accepted a prestigious award and, with it, the public thanks of grateful Nebraska Public Power District employees Saturday evening at York.
 

Monday marked the day that Vermont celebrated its first Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Day.  This special day was designated by the Vermont Legislature as “the General Assembly extends its appreciation to all Vermont employers, past, present, and future, that have employees deployed or to be deployed for the sacrifice that they are making and continue to make in support of their citizen soldiers.”

Charlotte, NC – Bud Baker, Field Chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that William E. (Bill) Elmore, President & Chief Operating Officer  signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on May 19, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred during their annual leadership meeting in Charlotte, NC.  

RALEIGH _ Speaker Joe Hackney met June 9 with representatives of North Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to confirm the House of Representatives' commitment to its military employees.

Westminster, California–The Southern California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that the City of Westminster, the Westminster City Council and all of the departments within the city, signed Statements of Support (SoS). A Statement of Support is a symbolic proclamation that publicly states an employer’s commitment to support its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. In addition, the City of Westminster received the coveted Seven Seals Award in recognition of their outstanding support of Guard and Reservists. 

MILFORD, Mass. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented an employer support award to the president of Cape Cod Lumber for supporting Guardsmen and their family members by the company in Abington, Mass., May 28, 2009.

Baltimore, Maryland– The Maryland Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, honored Baltimore County Police Department with the prestigious Pro Patria Award.

CAMP ROBERTS, Calif. -- When Multnomah County, Oregon Sheriff Robert Skipper stepped out of a van and onto a simulated combat patrol base, April 14, some memories from his military past were rekindled. It was at Camp Roberts where Skipper had completed basic training 52 years ago.

On behalf of the members of TEXO, The Construction Association, and its board of directors, Raleigh Roussell, president and chief executive officer for TEXO, signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) today in Dallas. The ceremony was held in conjunction with TEXO’s board of directors meeting, and included attendance by Texas Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken and Texas ESGR Committee Chairman Dr. Jerry Icenhower.

NEEDHAM, MA. 14 May, 2009. Greg Huff, a retired member of the US Army, accepted the Patriot Award and a coveted Above and Beyond Award. Mr. Huff is the Manager of the Needham MA Branch of The GARDA Cash Logistic International Corporation based in Canada. The retired soldier stated: "No one knows better than I, the importance of the National Guard and Reserve in today's current worldwide operations." He continued: "In helping making life a little easier for my military employees, I feel I'm just making my little contribution for the war effort!"

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Alabama State Committee For Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve held its Executive Committee Meeting and District 3, 4, 6, & 7 Awards Luncheon on the grounds of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC., in Lincoln, Ala., May 5, 2009. Sixteen employers and five volunteers were honored for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the military.

Scott Essex, Field Chair of the Arizona Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Sunday, May 17, 2009.  The signing ceremony occured at the Phoenix Convention Center at the National Rifle Association Assocation Annual Meeting and Exhibits .  

Officials with the Defense Department’s Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve group are encouraging reserve-component servicemembers to bring their civilian employers to see the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show

 

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recognized 30 outstanding employers of Minnesota Guard and Reserve members at the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve annual Employer Awards Recognition Banquet on Monday, April 20th, at the Golden Valley Country Club. 

Indianapolis, IN – Roger Peterman Field Chair of the Indiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that 35 Branches will sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Wednesday April 30, 2009. The signing ceremony will occur at the Indianapolis War Memorial.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 926th Group held its first Employer Appreciation Day here on Apr. 25. Local employers of the group’s personnel flew on a KC-135 aircraft, viewed static displays of F-15, F-16, F-22 and A-10 aircraft, and attended an awards luncheon where they were each recognized for their support of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Texas ESGR Committee Region Director Bill Cyrus and Area 2 Volunteer Jim Stoa presented an ESGR Banner to Major General Eldon Regua, Commander of the 75th Brigade Combat Training Division for display at the newly constructed Houston Reserve Center located at Ellington Field. Joining MG Regua in the photograph is CW2 Dylan Raymond of the Brigade who is also an ESGR Ombudsman with the Texas Committee.

Recently, the City of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Police Department, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association and Chief Paul M. Walters and Corporal Kevin DeDeaux of the Santa Ana Police Department were recognized and honored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, for their outstanding support of the many City employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

In partnership with Arizona Guardsmen and Reservists the state's chapter of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized U.S. Senator John McCain for his support of America's Citizen-Servicemembers, here April 16.

Mr. Paul Moody, manager of the Atlas Copco Compressors, LLC, on 94 N. Elm Street, Westfield, MA. received the Patriot Award today. Mr. Moody was honored because of his total support of the organization's employees who are also members of the Guard or Reserves.

The unit deployed to the 380th Air Expedtionary Wing, United Arab Emirates, in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa from September 2008 to February 2009.

Paulette Mason, State Chair of the Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, expressed gratitude for their support to over 150 members, fire chiefs and officers present at the monthly meeting of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighter's Association (NCCVFA) monthly meeting.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Federal Government Agencies and District of Columbia employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA)”

As the senior management of Winchester Hospital looked on, Dr. Jose Baez presented Dr. Mohammed Jaleel with the respected Patriot Award. Dr. Baez is a member of the Army National Guard, and has recently been deployed to Iraq as part of a Medical Unit.

While there is a law in place protecting the jobs of those who serve the United States in the National Guard and Reserve once they return from duty, it is up to individual companies to make that process as easy as possible for service men and women.

A captain in the beef products industry and one of Sioux City's most well known employers recently took time to very publicly show their support for the National Guard and Reserve.

The Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense (DOD), honored Jim Sinegal, President and CEO, with a Patriot Award in recognition of Costco’s extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Some local business owners and managers who participated in the weekend "Boss Lift" program for the 32nd Infantry Brigade returned home on Sunday.

When 10-year-old Paul Clark's father was deployed to Iraq last year, Paul had no one to take him fishing. Dr. Mark Williams immediately stepped in, and that would be just one of many things the local veterinarian would do for the Clark family while National Guard Spc. E-4 Brandon Clark was deployed.

MITRE Corporation of Bedford, Massachusetts was presented the Above & Beyond Award for their outstanding support of its military member workforce.

Boss Lift is sponsored by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a U.S. Department of Defense agency that encourages employers to support and value their workers' military service

Steve Ballmer was recognized for his and Microsoft's outstanding support with an "Above and Beyond" award on behalf of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and Microsoft employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

First Federal Bank has announced that CEO Larry J. Brandt and Eastern Division Executive Vice President Jeff Brandt each have received a Patriot Award from the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

Little Rock's Dassault Falcon Jet was honored today by the Department of Defense for its outstanding patriotic support to America's soldiers and airmen.

CAMBRIDGE MA. 16 March, 2009. with Harvard University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities of the United States as a backdrop, Chief Gerald Reardon, head of The Cambridge Fire Department accepted ESGR's Above and Beyond Award.

Verizon Business in Tulsa, Oklahoma recently signed a Statement of Support Certificate with the Oklahoma Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Oklahoma State Chair, BG Gary Bray (Ret) and Representatives from the Baker Hughes Centrilift.

For those serving in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserves, the call to duty can put a strain on the employee-employer relationship. So when an employer accommodates a soldier's duty, recognition is in order.

The Celldex Therapeutics Corporation has a policy to seek out military members and provides a comfortable work environment for Reservists, Guardsmen and returning veterans.

Brig. Gen. David Smalley, Deputy Commanding General Army Reserve Medical Command, joined Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)/TriStar Health System officials in their Nashville area offices to witness their signing of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statements of Support.

BRAINTREE MA. 26 February, 2009 The Archdiocese of Boston held a Signing Ceremony of a Statement of Support for our nations Reserve and Guard Members today

The Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MAESGR), a U.S. Department of Defense organization, presented The Bull and Finch Pub known throughout the United States as "Cheers, the place where everyone knows your name," Patriotic Employer and Above & Beyond Award.

Partners Health Care demonstrated its commitment to National Guard and Reserve Veterans in a Statement of Support Signing Ceremony held recently at Partners Headquarters in the Prudential Center in historic Downtown Boston.

Fire Department Chief Ken Willette signed a Statement of Support and was also the recipient of a Patriot Award.

The New Administration: Reservist asked for time away from (military) job to work at (civilian) job.

Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., president of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), presented the MOAA Ombudsman Award to Karla Hewitt of Nashville, Tenn.

These ten Lowes stores join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America's employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.

"This award is one for our entire office. We have a commitment here at the Office of the Attorney General to serve well those who serve our nation. I understand what it is like to work everyday, while also serving your country."

The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, announced that Chief Larry J. Grorud, President, Mr. Mark Light, Executive Director, of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the IAFC Board of Directors signed Statements of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on January 23, 2009.

Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve Forces.

The first responder employment segment is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.

The signing ceremony took place at Auburn's Board of Trustees meeting that was held during the week of Homecoming.

UCLA employs the third largest number of veterans in the Los Angeles area, only exceeded by the L.A. City and County Governments.

"I was honored and privileged to represent the men and women of Regional Medical Service Authority and ESGR on the tour," said REMSA Representative Patrick Smith.

"I was honored and privileged to represent the men and women of Regional Medical Service Authority and ESGR on the tour," said REMSA Representative Patrick Smith.

(HOPKINTON, MA) EMC Corporation, the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, today announced that the Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a U.S. Department of Defense organization, has recognized EMC with their Above and Beyond Award. The Above and Beyond Award honors companies that go above and beyond federal requirements in their support of employees called into active military duty by the National Guard or Reserve.

(Little Rock, AR) Alltel Wireless has been named a recipient of the Pro Patria Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve. The Pro Patria Award is given by the Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, and is the pinnacle of the State ESGR recognition program.

Army's elite Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team jumps with ESGR flag before a crowd of more than 30,000.

Thanks to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense organization, and the U.S. Navy Distinguished Visitors Program, Superior Court of Orange County‘s Public Information Officer Carole Levitzky and Manager of Court Reporter/Interpreter Services Tina Payne experienced 24 hours onboard a nuclear powered U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

(Clinton, MD) Mr. George L. Doetsch, Jr., Field Chair of the Maryland Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, and Brian Hurley, Vice President, Smartronix, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Thursday November 13, 2008. The signing ceremony took place at the Colony South Hotel and Conference Center in Clinton. The signing was part of the Maryland ESGR Committee Employer Awards Luncheon where 50 local employers were recognized for their support of Guard and Reserve members.

Mayor Pro Tem Gary Thomasian signed  a Statement of Support (SoS) affirming the city's commitment to it's citizen warriors serving our country in the Guard and Reserve.

(San Diego, CA) The Southern California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, honored two local reserve commands for their outstanding achievement and participation in a recent Fleet Week event, aboard the retired and historic aircraft carrier, the USS Midway CV-41.

Mr. Canterbury is challenging all 2,100 FOP Lodge Presidents to join with him and the FOP State Chapter Presidents in signing Statements of Support to publicly honor their FOP members who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

(ORLANDO, FL) Brig. Gen. Daniel I. Schultz, commander of the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot Award to Mr. George Rogers, the GEICO Regional Vice President of Region VI, Florida.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest police organization in the United States consisting of more than 327,000 members and 2,100 lodges nationwide, with 20 of those lodges and over 9,000 FOP members located in California.

Signing this SoS sets an example of how the agency values its own employees currently serving our nation," said SBA Buffalo District Director, Franklin J. Sciortino.

Jeffrey M. Ettinger, President/CEO, Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, Minnesota has pledged the company's continued support for America's veterans.

Lt Governor Becky Skillman is humbled by the award, but says it pales in comparison to what members of the Armed Forces do on a daily basis to protect our freedom.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance.

The Department of Defense has announced the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients.

The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, participates in signing with the President of NAPUS.

Mr. Robert Newman, Chairman of the Washington, DC Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Adam Calli, Human Resources Director of Atlantic Video, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on August 7, 2008.

No, they did not jump out of a perfectly good helicopter. But, 16 civilians involved with Rhode Island’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program did get an idea of what an international group of military paratroopers would experience during Leapfest 2008.

PPD, Inc. signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, demonstrating its commitment to all employees who are members of the Armed Forces.

An Enterprise man was among 160 people transported to Boise last week on a C-130 military transport aircraft designed to carry cargo and paratroopers.

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has been supportive of my military service and I would like to nominate them for an ESGR Patriot Award," wrote 1st Lt. Peter Bennett in his Patriot Award Nomination.

After completing his deployment to Afghanistan, First Sgt. Matthew Strasser returned home to Augustine and Sons Farm, a recipient of the 2007 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Pro Patria, meaning "For the Country," recognizes outstanding support and dedication to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve. Dominion has established many exceptional policies and programs designed to support its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

(Tulsa, OK) Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor joined members of the National Guard and Reserve to sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on May 15.

The Minnesota State Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve held its annual Awards Banquet at the Golden Valley Country Club on May 12. More 600 guests attended the event, and 28 employers were honored for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the military.

Gordon Jacobson State Chair of the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

“Thank you and your company for leading the way,” Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Thomas Hall, told Edward Rust, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of State Farm Insurance Companies, May 9 when State Farm signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on behalf of the more than 1,600 State Farm locations nationwide.

Governor Tim Pawlenty will recognize 27 outstanding employers of Minnesota Guard and Reserve members at the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Annual Employer Awards Banquet on Monday, May 12, 2008.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Five local U.S. Coast Guard commands held a signing ceremony in December, 2007 at the Coast Guard Atlantic Area headquarters in Portsmouth, in recognition of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).