Arkansas ESGR held its annual Employer Awards Luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. 30 Arkansas Employers were awarded Above and Beyond awards. The Above and Beyond Award is given in limited numbers by state committees. It recognizes employers at the state and local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements by providing support for military duty by their employees.

Three of the employers were presented the Pro Patria Award. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each state committee to up to three employers in their state or territory who have provided the most exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees serving in the Guard or Reserve.

The Pro Patria recipients were Benchmark Group from Rogers, Arkansas, Blue Advantage Administrators of Arkansas from Little Rock, Arkansas and Jonesboro Police Department from Jonesboro, Arkansas.  These employers were among the 148 semifinalist for the Freedom Award. All of the Employers recognized were nominated for the Freedom Award, the highest honor given to employers by the United States Government.

In addition to the civilian guest, Command Representatives from each service components were also in attendance.