(Manchester, NH) The NH Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today a manager of Easter Seals, Dorothy Tuttle was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the NH National Guard.

According to Ernest Loomis ESGR NH Chair, “The Patriot Award was 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. Manager Dorothy Tuttle was nominated for being highly supportive of the National Guard Service by her reserve component employee. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

Ms. Tuttle, surprised but honored by the award, cited the extra work that First Lieutenant Jeffrey Pettee, of A Battery, 3 BN 197th Field Artillery Brigade accomplished, since his last deployment, and in preparation for another later this year. “I think that it is Jeff Pettee that deserves the credit, not me.”

For his part, Lt. Pettee said “The Easter Seals, and particularly Dot Tuttle have always helped me throughout my Military Service, and my fellow workers pitched in to help as well.”

LTC James Moody, Executive Officer of the 197th Fires Brigade, NH Army National Guard, Lt. Pettee’s higher command, spoke to the assembled staff at Easter Seals Headquarters on the importance of the ‘three legged stool representing the family, the military and the employer in providing citizen-warriors an opportunity to serve their country, and how much it is appreciated”.

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. 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.