Seattle, Washington – The Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Robb Courtney, Parks Division Director, Seattle Parks and Recreation, was honored with the Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee who serves in the Washington Army National Guard.

According to Larry Kirchner, ESGR King County Chair, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals and firms 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.  Mr. Courtney was nominated for being highly supportive of the Army National Guard by Major Aaron Bert, a Parks Department employee and member of the 156th Information Operations Battalion in Tacoma, WA. currently deployed overseas. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

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, or by calling the Washington State office at (877) 306-1971.