(ARLINGTON, VA) In honor of recently being presented with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award by the Department of Defense agency Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a representative from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) of Reno, Nev., was personally invited and joined Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. James Cartwright, and other celebrities on an international USO Tour to show support to U.S. troops serving overseas. Patrick Smith, President and CEO of REMSA, joined the Tour representing REMSA and the thousands of American employers who support our military men and women. REMSA currently has several employees deployed overseas. The Tour, which departed on Nov. 9 and returned Nov. 17, included stops at military bases in five countries around the world

The purpose of the eight-day USO Tour was to express the U.S.’s gratitude to service members and provide a break from their day-to-day duties. Gen. Cartwright led the delegation that included Atlanta-based rap duo Ying Yang Twins, former UFC champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, model and singer Mayra Veronica and comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Edwin San Juan.

“I was honored and privileged to represent the men and women of Regional Medical Service Authority and ESGR on the tour,” said Smith. “I was humbled by the opportunity to meet troops from around the world and let them know how much we support them at home.”

REMSA is a paramedic ambulance service with over 200 employees in Reno, Nev. REMSA supports their deployed employees by doing everything from sending care packages and notes of support to assuring them that their families are supported in their absence. The company promotes its philosophy of full support to Guard and Reserve employees and aids in raising the awareness of ESGR and its mission.

In September, REMSA was awarded the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington, D.C., the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. As part of the honor, Smith met with President Bush and Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.

The nomination season is now open for the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible to nominate their employers at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 19, 2009.