El Segundo, California–The California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) agency is proud to announce that Mattel was recently presented the Pro Patria Award, the second highest honor bestowed on an employer by the Department of Defense.

On a picture perfect California day at the impressive Mattel Headquarters in El Segundo, managers and employees packed into the large company cafeteria as thousands of other joined in via an elaborate video teleconference from around the world to participate in the Quarterly Report and Employee Update. This exciting event was kicked off with the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Mattel, Mr. Robert A. Eckert, accepting the prestigious Pro Patria Award.  The Pro Patria Award is the DoD/ESGR’s second highest award and each state ESGR committee is limited to only three presentations per year, one to a large employer, one to a small employer and one goes to an employer in the public sector.  It is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support towards our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. In addition to receiving the Pro Patria Award, Mattel was also California’s large employer nominee for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  Mattel’s strong nomination made it all the way becoming one of the 35 nationwide finalists out of over 3,300 employers nominated this year. Mattel’s Freedom Award nomination was sent in by Mr. Lee Baroldy, a Power Wheels staff designer of Mattel’s Fisher-Price Division located in New York.  Mr. Baroldy is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.  Major Baroldy is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.  Mr. Eckert stated during the video conference “…our thanks go out to him [Lee] and his family for his dedicated service.  Know that your colleagues back home are looking forward to your safe and swift return. I am very proud of all that Mattel is doing to support our employees serving in the Guard and Reserves and that those efforts are being recognized.” 

The DoD/ESGR award’s dedication was well represented by the California State Chair, Andrew Wiktorowicz, Tom Lasser, Public Affairs Director, Captain Jim Beale, USMC, Jesse Medina, Orange County Chair and Dennis DeNoi, Executive Director for the State of California.  The ESGR contingency was graciously hosted by Jules Andres and Kathleen Shaver of Mattel.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has proudly served our nation’s Guard and Reservists since the inception of the all-volunteer military.  “Almost half of our military force resides in the Reserve Component, which is comprised of the seven elements of the National Guard and Reserve.  The men and women who serve in the Reserve Component are unique in that they also have civilian employers.  Support of America’s employers and the employees they share with the nations ensures the viability of the all-volunteer force, and thus our national security.  We applaud employers who practice personnel policies that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve”, stated Andrew Wiktorowicz, ESGR’s California State Chair.

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 number one resource for employers of our nation’s citizen warriors. ESGR provides free 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 Los Alamitos office at 562-936-1746, the San Diego office at 859-414-8727 or Sacramento office at 916-854-3746.