Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (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 more than 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Volunteers, hailing from small business and industry, government, education, and prior military service bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, Service members, and their families. Together with Headquarters ESGR staff and a small cadre of support staff for each State Committee, volunteers work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory. Recipients have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
ESGR TN State Chair Jim Mungenast, with Vice Chair Teresa Beavers, awarded the Pro Patria Award to Dr. Harry Boston, founder and President of Boston Government Services. This is the highest level award that may be bestowed by an ESGR State Committee, and BGS was Tennessee’s top nominee for the Freedom Award in the small business category. As noted by SSgt Michael Durham, BGS has been highly supportive of his service in the Air National Guard, including granting paid time off, which is not required by law.
“We are very proud to be recognized for our support of veterans. We are grateful to all veterans and are very happy that veterans are finding a home at BGS and contributing so much to our team,” states Boston.