Military Guard and Reserve members recognize employers

As nearly half of the U.S. military is comprised of Guard and Reserve members, employer support is crucial. The Mississippi Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve provides this vital support.

The Mississippi ESGR is a Department of Defense office, managed and directed by a group of committed volunteers and staff. Their mission is to foster and sustain employer support for the Guard and Reserve.

“Recognition from an employer is more than just acknowledgment – it’s validation of the service member sacrifices, skills, and dedication,” said Leanne Hall, Mississippi ESGR, volunteer support technician.  “When an employer honors that commitment, it strengthens the bond of trust and respect, fostering a workplace where veterans feel valued and empowered to continue their mission. This support not only boost morale, but also reinforces the commitment to serve whether in uniform or out.”

The Mississippi ESGR, with the help of over 70 volunteers across Mississippi, engages with employers and service members in various areas, including employer outreach, military outreach, public affairs, mediation, training, and employment initiative programs.

Employer awards include:

• Patriot Award - National Guard or Reserve members, or their spouses, can nominate supervisors for the Patriot Award, recognizing support provided to service members and their families. This award identifies efforts such as flexible schedules, time off for deployment, family care, and leaves of absence.
• Spouse Patriot Award - Many employers voluntarily support spouses of Guard and Reserve members, who often face challenges of military service. Childcare, household management, and work schedules may need adjustment when one spouse deploys.
• Seven Seals Award  - This award, presented by ESGR State Chair or senior leadership, recognizes significant individual or organizational support for the ESGR mission. This award acknowledges the efforts of over 2,300 volunteers who promote and support the ESGR mission daily.
• Above and Beyond Award - Presented by ESGR State Committees, this award recognizes local employers who provide additional benefits to their Guard and Reserve employees beyond legal requirements. These benefits may include differential or full pay, extended health benefits, and more.
• Pro Patria Award –Recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional support for Guard and Reserve employees through leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that facilitate National Guard and Reserve participation. This is the highest award given by an ESGR State Committee.
• Extraordinary Employer Support Award – This award recognizes sustained support for National Guard and Reserve service. Eligible employers are prior recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award or the Pro Patria Award, who have maintained support for three years after receiving one of those awards.
• Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award –The award publicly recognizes employers providing exceptional support to Guard and Reserve employees, being the highest in a series of DoD employer recognition awards. This award has a deadline of Dec. 31 yearly.

For more information about the Mississippi ESGR or volunteer opportunities contact Leanne Hall (DoD Contractor) at 601-313-6508 or email at leanne.y.hall.ctr@army.mil.