ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that GRIMM Cyber recently received a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Patriot Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Supervisor Tom VanNorman was nominated for the Patriot Award by Sgt. Michael Hilken of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 112 Cyber Operations Squadron located in Horsham.

In nominating VanNorman, Hilken stated: “My supervisor is very accommodating when it comes to me taking extra time for military duties, even when those duties are voluntary. He recognizes the value the Guard provides as he is also a veteran. In his retirement from the military, he is still a vocal supporter and talks about the benefits of serving. Additionally, GRIMM Cyber provides military differential pay; this is a fantastic benefit that removes a ton of stress from my shoulders.”

Presenting the award on behalf of ESGR was Roslyn Schroeder, a Pennsylvania Employer Outreach Representative. Schroeder commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.” Schroeder added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Schroeder. “I am asking all Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.”

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, 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. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/PA