ESGR sponsors an awards program designed to recognize employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve. All employer recognition and awards originate from nominations by individual Reserve component members. Depending on the degree of support, the level of recognition may rise to the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Employer awards include:
- Patriot Award: ESGR awards this certificate and a Patriot lapel pin on behalf of the Department of Defense. All members of the National Guard and Reserve forces are eligible to nominate their employers for the Patriot Award certificate. A certificate will be given to all employers that are nominated. This nomination is subsequently used by the local ESGR Committee as the basis for consideration to receive higher level awards.
- 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 for military by their employees.
- Pro Patria Award: It is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. Each Committee may give only one annually.
- Employer Support Freedom Award: 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