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Major Stephen Oliver, USAFR, Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO and Karen Howard, Microsoft employee and ESGR volunteer.

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. The ESGR "Above and Beyond" award is given by state and county ESGR committees to recognize employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees. Major General Chris Cortez, GM Strategic Programs, explained to those assembled from the Air Force a few of the above and beyond things that Microsoft does like provide differential pay, and continues medical and dental benefits, and life insurance to those employees who are deployed. Chris emphasized how important it is for Guard & Reserve members to know their jobs are secure when they leave to perform their military duty so they can focus on their military tasks-and not be distracted by concerns about whether their family's health is covered or if they may be replaced in their own job. Additionally, Chris mentioned how Microsoft was one of the first organizations to join "American Supports You" and that Steve was featured in a video played on Armed Services Network in December 2007 thanking everyone serving in the U.S. military for their "courage, dedication and sacrifice" and for "making America a safer place for all of us." Chris introduced Stephen Oliver, Programming Writer for Office and a Major in the Air Force Reserve and Karen Howard, Tax Coordinator and volunteer with ESGR who also thanked Steve and presented him with the award.