(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.

Two Alltel managers also were cited for their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.  Chris Arnold, a customer service director, received the Above and Beyond Award, and Michael Chambers, a technical support supervisor, received the Patriot Award.

Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Program Specialist, said the Pro Patria award is presented to the top three employers in the State.  “The Pro Patria Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize the very best American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, and Alltel is a great example of a company that has supported its employees who are called to serve our nation,” Green said. “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

“The entire Alltel team is proud to accept the Pro Patria award in recognition of our company’s efforts to support employees serving in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve as well as their families,” said Jeff Fox, chief operating officer of Alltel Wireless. “We are even more proud of the many Alltel employees who have made significant sacrifices to serve in our nation’s military during a time of war. We honor their courage and patriotism.”

Fox noted that Veterans Day was an appropriate time to announce that Alltel employees from across the country have donated more than 2,200 pounds of food, entertainment and personal items for Care Packages to be sent to Alltel employees serving in the military. The Care Packages will be shipped in time for the holidays.

Alltel operates America’s largest wireless network, which delivers voice and advanced data services nationwide to nearly 14 million customers. Headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., Alltel is a Forbes 500 company with annual revenues of nearly $9 billion.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Richard Green at 501-212-4096.