The Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Committee (the Committee) of Employer Support of the Guard and the Reserve (ESGR) held its annual “We All Serve” awards on March 20, 2018, at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The ceremonial event recognizes regional employers for their outstanding support of their employees who are members of the National Guard and the military Reserves.
“Our region is fortunate to have so many organizations committed to ESGR’s goals and ideals,” said ESGR SW PA Area Chair Rochelle Stachel. “Their support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves strengthens our nation’s ability to recover from natural disasters, or defend us in faraway places—recognizing these contributions demonstrates to employees the value we place on their services in protecting our safety and in defense of the freedoms we all share.”
Nearly 40 companies and organizations received the Patriot Award, given to employers nominated by employees for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. This year’s Above & Beyond Award went to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for exceeding the requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees. Recipients of the Seven Seals Award, which recognizes the efforts by a citizen, business, or organization whose actions have significantly benefited all Reserve components, include Brayman Construction Corporation, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS, PennWest Toyota Lift, State Correctional Institute-Greene, and UPMC East.
ESGR awards eligible for consideration at the committee level include the Employer Support Plaque, given this year to previous award-winner US Steel, and the Eagle Plaque, awarded to previous award-winners Highmark Health and TeleTracking, in recognition of sustained support of the National Guard and Reserve.
The Committee also announced its semi-finalists for 2018 Freedom Award, which included Greencastle Associates Consulting, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and TE Connectivity. The Freedom Award recognizes the nation’s 15 most exceptional supporters to their National Guard and Reserve employees, and is the highest employer-recognition award given by the Department of Defense.
This year’s event also included a ceremonial signing of an ESGR Statement of Support by long-time ESGR supporter, the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce (PAACC).
PAACC President & CEO Chris Heck said, “Strengthening our commitment to ESGR is a critical component of our mission to advance economic vitality, and our vision to be the unified voice for opportunity in the airport area—this is so poignant, given the military presence and National Guard and Reserve population in our region.
Supportive companies and organizations for this year’s event included the Allegheny County Bar Association, HRV Conformation Verification Associates, Inc., Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, Pittsburgh Human Resources Association, and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Trust, Inc.
About ESGR
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Strategic Communication and Public Affairs
4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite 05E22
Alexandria, VA 22350-1200
800-336-4590