Oklahoma Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (OKESGR) Committee recently conducted its Annual Employer Awards Banquet on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Sheraton Reed Conference Center in Midwest City, Oklahoma to recognize employers who provide extraordinary support to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.   The state’s highest award, the Pro Patria Award, was presented to Chesapeake Energy Corporation, accepting the award was Lieutenant Commander Christopher McCone, U. S. Navy Reserves.  One Pro Patria award is presented annually to a civilian employer for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation was recognized for providing exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in our armed forces.   The organization was recognized for the personal support offered to service members and their families.  The employer was also named as a Freedom Award Nominee in the 2011 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award program.   This notable and prestigious honor is bestowed on only fifteen employers nationwide. This year 4,049 nominations were received nationally for this prestigious award.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation was also recognized as a Patriotic Employer by an employee and military member, Lieutenant Commander Christopher McCone. Chesapeake Corporation was one of many recipients honored at the Oklahoma ESGR Annual Awards Banquet.

THE SEVEN SEALS AWARD was presented to:
• The Chickasaw Nation
THE ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARDS were presented to:
• The Hartford Company
• The Delaware Resource Group
• The Ross Group
• Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office
• Chesapeake Energy Corporation
• Mid First Bank
• Cintas, Inc.
• Incor, Inc.
• The Devon Corporation

The Oklahoma ESGR Committee also recognized the 2011 Freedom Award nominees from Oklahoma.   The Secretary of Defense Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Defense to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  Oklahoma semi finalists for the Freedom Award are The Chickasaw Nation, The Delaware Resource Group and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office.  The 2011 recipients were honored September 23, 2011, in Washington DC at the 16th Annual Secretary of Defense Freedom Award Ceremony.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of Guard and Reserve service members.  More information is available on ESGR Programs and volunteer opportunities at www.esgr.mil or you may contact the Oklahoma ESGR office at (405) 475-1543.