When Uncle Sam calls up the reserve components, employers too are required to support the nation. President Richard Nixon established the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component members and their civilian employers. Today, ESGR operates through a network of more than 4,500 volunteers, staffing 54 committees located in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Reserve component members have stepped up to the challenge, as have their families and employers, he said. Their support helps keep the nation strong and secure.
Military members recognize employers for supportive employment practices and policies.
The committee processes a total of more than 10,000 awards annually. Depending on the degree of support, the level of recognition rises from the local level to DoD's highest level, the Employer's Support Freedom Award. The second, the local committee Chair Award is designed to recognize employers in the local area that have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave of absence for their members. The next level is the Pro-Patriot Award. It goes to employers who adopt personnel policies and regulations that make it easier for their employees to participate in reserve component programs.