FOR RELEASE: Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan will thank employers at the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters, Centennial, Colorado, Aug. 7, 2021.
Support from employers enhances a Service member’s ability to maintain readiness and proficiency in their military obligations.
“During the COVID response, the longest and largest response in the Colorado National Guard’s more than 160-year history, our National Guard men and women simultaneously supported wildland firefighting, multiple search and rescue missions, cyber defense operations, and the peaceful transition of power during the Presidential Inauguration,” Clellan said. “None of these missions would have been successful without employer support of our members.”
“The Colorado Committee is proud to celebrate a 25-year history of recognizing exceptional employer support,” Colorado ESGR representative Kathleen Dorram said. “Award recipients can include small and large private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guardsman or Reservist employed by their organization.”
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of nearly 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states and territories.
To recognize employers who support their Guard and Reserve employees, ESGR grants a series of Department of Defense awards: Patriot Award, Spouse Patriot Award, Seven Seals Award, Above and Beyond Award, Pro Patria Award, Extraordinary Employer Support Award, and Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.