Have you nominated your employer for an ESGR award? Did you know you could?

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 10:01:13 -0500

I am currently on my second year of COADOS orders.
Several weeks ago, I was contacted my civilian boss with a picture of him receiving the ESGR "Patriot" award. Yesterday, I was forwarded a link from our agency internal website showing our Deputy Director (and my Boss' boss) receiving the Extraordinary Employer Support Award.

It was my boss' second award (I put him in during my 2004 deployment) and my agency's first (as far as I know...).

If you can in good conscience put your supervisor and/or employer in for an ESGR award, I highly recommend it. It takes minimal effort (the application is online, can be filled out in a few minutes, if you have all the relevant information handy). The ESGR folks take what they do seriously and WANT to give out the awards when they can.

It has no real status, it's basically the equivalent of a certificate of appreciation. That said, employers are not in the habit of receiving medals, and aren't worried about promotion points.... They get something to put on the wall and know that you thought enough of them to "put them in" for something. (they also seem to assume it's more work than it actually is.....)

Most importantly, they 1) feel appreciated - which means that they just might be a little more likely to go the extra mile for the next reservist with an issue and 2) they are a bit more likely to remember who the heck you are in a positive light.

http://www.esgr.mil/Employer-Awards/ESGR-Awards-Programs.aspx

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Employer Awards ESGR Awards Programs

Our Nation has relied heavily on Guard and Reserve service members since entering continuous operations more than a decade ago. Employer support enhances retention rates in the Armed Forces and in the end, strengthens our national security. To recognize employers who support their Guard and Reserve employees, ESGR grants a series of Department of Defense (DoD) awards:

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 10:20 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 10:20:42 -0500

When it happens that I have an employer that merits this award for supporting my military service and obligations, I'll be happy to nominate them.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 5 at 2016 1:53 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 13:53:49 -0500

COL Vincent Stoneking - As the recipient of almost every ESGR award, and an active member of the ESGR, I can tell you that recognizing employers is important and is a good thing. In addition to receiving many such awards, I have had the honor and pleasure to present awards, on behalf of the ESGR/DOD, to a great many employers. I can tell you that they appreciate it very much and, as a result, continue to support our military members.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 8:22 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 08:22:22 -0500

After my deployment I did nominate my employer (Trane) for the awards. While I was deployed, they paid the difference for the pay which helped me for the 9 months and gave me an extra week of vacation when I returned to be with my family. I also had flags flown on aircraft as an appreciation to my coworkers which left them speechless. My District Manager really appreciated the small token of appreciation and it was my way to say Thank You for their support while I was gone for over 10 months.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Nov 10 at 2017 12:43 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 00:43:30 -0500

I really didn't know how this process worked until I attended the ESGR signing for Farmers Insurance. Michelle Titus & Lucas Buck have built a great team around the Farmers Family. I have a lot of respect for any organization that can achieve this milestone.