DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- While the 512th Airlift Wing held its annual Employer Appreciation Day Oct. 3, this isn't the only way reservists can educate and recognize their employers.
There are several awards reservist can nominate their employers for through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize their civilian bosses for supportive employment policies and practices of Reserve and National Guard members.
ESGR is a Department of Defense organization established to recognize outstanding employer support, increase awareness of the law, and resolve conflicts between reservists and employers through mediation, said Senior Master Sgt. Rachael Gonesh, 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and Delaware ESGR representative for the 512th AW.
According to the ESGR Web site, the Reserve and National Guard forces comprise approximately 48 percent of the nation's total available military manpower. This means reservists and guardsmen will spend more time away from the workplace defending the nation, supporting a demanding operations tempo and training to maintain their mission readiness.
"Employers play a significant role in our nation's defense because without their support our reservists and guardsmen can't accomplish the mission," said Sergeant Gonesh. "That's why it's so important to recognize those employers who do an outstanding job of supporting our Reserve forces."
Employer awards include:
· Patriot Award Certificate of Appreciation. ESGR awards this certificate and a Patriot lapel pin on behalf of the DoD to all employers nominated by a National Guard and Reserve member. This nomination is then used by the Delaware ESGR Committee as the basis for considering Delaware employers for a higher level award.
· Above and Beyond Award is given in limited numbers by state and territory ESGR committees. It recognizes employers at the state and local level who have gone above the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support to Reserve and National Guard members.
· Pro Patria Award is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. The Delaware ESGR Committee gives only one of these awards annually.
· Employer Support Freedom Awards. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the U.S. Government's highest recognition given to employers for their support of Guard and Reserve service. For more information, visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
Reservists can nominate employers for an award by visiting https://esgr.mil/Employer-Awards/Patriot-Award/Form.
More information about ESGR outreach programs and volunteer opportunities is available by calling the Delaware ESGR Committee at (302) 326-7582.
Liberty Wing reservists in need of information can call Sergeant Gonesh at (302) 677-2550 to schedule an appointment.