ESGR presents annual awards to state employers

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bob Oldham
  • 189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. --  More than 20 employers of Arkansas Guardsmen and Reservists took home top honors and received high praise at a ceremony here July 15.

The state's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee handed out awards to more than 20 companies and government agencies for their support of military members who have been called away from their civilian jobs for military duties.

"We're here today to say thank you, because the mission of the Guard and Reserve has totally changed," said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe.

The governor spoke about the nation's continued reliance on the National Guard and Reserve to help fight in Iraq, Afghanistan and other points around the globe. While the service member and his or her family feels the toll of repeated deployments, so do the employers who also send them off to war.

The July 15 ceremony was meant to highlight the accomplishments of the state's top military-friendly employers, as nominated by their military employees. Three employers received the ESGR state committee's top award for their support of their military employees. Those receiving the Pro Patria awards from the state's ESGR committee were: Ouachita Baptist University, small employer category; Alltel Wireless, large employer category; and the Arkansas State Police, public sector category. Pro Patria, meaning "For the Country," recognizes outstanding support and dedication to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve.

Others receiving Above and Beyond awards were:
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro,
Central Arkansas Veteran's Health Services,
the City of De Queen,
the Department of Community Corrections in Osceola,
Arkansas Department of Human Services,
Little Rock Fire Department,
Little Rock Police Department,
Multi-Craft Contractor, Inc., of Springdale
Outback Steakhouse in Hot Springs,
Raytheon in Camden,
Pulaski County Sherriff's Department,
Sam's Club in Sherwood,
Sparks Regional Medical Center,
Tyson Foods, Inc., in Dardanelle,
U.S Postal Service in Little Rock,
Wal-Mart Global Security and Travel,
Wal-Mart Private Fleet,
and the Ward Police Department.

All of the employers previously signed statements of support, pledging their support to uphold the laws that govern employment and reemployment rights of Guardsmen and Reservists.

"I can remember the days when the active component, quite frankly, looked down their noses at our Reservists," said retired Maj. Gen. Don C. Morrow, the state's ESGR chairman and former Arkansas adjutant general. "But I'm here to tell you they no longer look down their noses. They're glad to see our folks come because they know they've got professionals."

The awards presented are special, the general said, because employers were nominated by their employees.

Military commanders and enlisted leaders from the Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve and the Arkansas Air and Army National Guard were present to publicly thank employers for their dedication and support of military Reservists.

ESGR's mission is to gain and maintain support for members who serve in the Guard and Reserve by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving potential conflicts through mediation.