News

Employer awards recognize outstanding support for Reservists

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446 Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Sometimes it may not be easy for a Citizen Airmen to balance his or her family life, military commitment, and civilian career. But having a strong backing from an employer who understands the importance of the Reserve and National Guard components can make it a little easier for them.

That's why there are awards available to recognize these employers. Reservists who want to acknowledge their employer for their support can nominate them for one of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognition awards.

The focus of the ESGR is to promote an understanding and the importance of the Reserve and National Guard functions to employers, as well as encourage employers in the development of human resource policies and practices that support an employee's participation in the military.

Staff Sgt. Michael Pritchett, 36th Aerial Port Squadron ramp specialist here, recognized his employer Frontier Communications, by nominating them for the ESGR Patriot Award. During a ceremony Nov. 10 in Beaverton, Ore., Kandice Newton, Oregon ESGR representative and Sergeant Pritchett presented Eric Gilstrap and Steven Sumida, Frontier Communications managers, with ESGR's Patriot Award Certificate of Appreciation and a Patriot lapel pin on behalf of the Department of Defense.

"My employer has been more than willing to work with my Reserve schedule regarding weekend duty and military training," said Sergeant Pritchett. "With my deployment in November, they have shown multiple avenues of support for the military mission. It is great to be able work for them," said the Frontier Communications technician. Sergeant Pritchett is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ms. Newton knows what it's like to work with many supportive companies like Frontier Communications.

"Frontier Communications signed a Statement of Support and stated their willingness to assist with future events such as Transition Assistance Program workshops and job fairs held specifically for veterans, Guardsmen and Reservists seeking employment," said Ms. Newton. "Frontier Communications is greatly appreciated for the support they provide their Guard and Reserve members and I look forward to working with them in the future."

As Sergeant Pritchett did, you too can nominate your employer for a Patriot Award, or any higher-level award.  More information on these awards can be found at www.esgr.org.

Other awards include:

Above and Beyond Award - This award is given in limited numbers by state and territory ESGR committees. It recognizes employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees.

Pro Patria Award - This award is presented annually by all ESGR Committees to the one employer in their state or territory who has provided the most exceptional support of national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support military employees.

Freedom Award - The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. Nominations must come from a servicemember employed by the organization. The award was created to publicly recognize employers who provide exceptional support to their Reserve and National Guard employees. This is the highest ESGR award given by the Defense Department. Nominations for 2011 must be submitted by Jan. 17.