(Greensboro, NC)  The Welcome mat was out and the southern hospitality flowed like iced tea at a summer picnic.  The North Carolina Employer Support Awards Banquet was underway!

Everyone was welcomed on board to honor our members of the National Guard and Reserves, some who had just returned home from a tour to Iraq just days ago.  State Chairman, L.M.”Bud” Baker, Jr. reminded all that the spotlight was on our men and women in uniform and those who supported them while they stood for our freedom around the world.

The evening, hosted by the US Army Reserve, was punctuated by words from Lt. General Jack C. Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve and North Carolina native.  As a  Citizen-Soldier, General Stultz retired from Procter and Gamble Company as an operations manager with 28 years service.  He pointed out how our guard and reserve troops fight on the home front and the battle front at the same time. 

Assisting with the awards from the national ESGR office was Dr. Charles Quillin, Director of Committee Support Operations and assisting with training for the day long business session was E. David Hoard, Attorney with the Defense Human Resources Activity in Washington.

Highlighting the night was of course the awards and recognition of North Carolina employers.  Some 50 Above and Beyond Awards were presented to outstanding local companies, police departments, communities and state agencies.  Four Pro Patria awards spotlighted USfalcon Company of Morrisville, NC, (Small Business Category) which offers professional consulting to the military and defense community.  CEO and Chairman is Mr. Peter Von Jess, a former active duty and National Guard officer.

FairPoint Communications of Charlotte, NC, (Large Company Category), the company offers continuing insurance for the soldier and their family, pay difference, and continues to make 401 K contributions to the employee while deployed.

East Carolina University, (Public Sector Category), has formed a Military Education Committee to meet the needs of service members and their families. An annual Military Appreciation Football Day is held with free tickets for military.  Work with the Wounded Warrior Program and ECU Interior Design students working to design a Bachelor Enlisted Quarters for the Warriors. The University has a program allowing students and their family members to postpone education for deployment without penalty. Ft. Bragg, Camp Jejune, Seymour-Johnson AFB, Cherry Point MAS and the Morehead City Coast Guard facility are all within the East Carolina University territory.

Finally, Guilford County Emergency Services, Greensboro, NC.  Senior Chief Thomas Clifton, US Navy Reserve is part of the Fire and Rescue Service.  While deployed his fellow Fire Fighters visited the construction site of a new home the Chief had just started and had to leave behind.  His department took charge and saw the project was completed including painting, electrical work, sprinkler installation and other needed construction while he was gone.  Giving him a great surprise revealing as he returned home.  The
Naval Reservist was also given credit for vacation and sick leave as if he had never left for active duty. 

A great night for the Guard and Reserves in North Carolina with the usual final conclusion of, “Ya’ll come!”