CARY, N.C. – Kellanova, formerly known as the Kellog Company, received the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for their extraordinary support to U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Mark Shaw at their Cary plant April 25.

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their employees who have answered the nation’s call to serve in the National Guard or Reserves,” said Ken Oppenheim, Area Chair for the North Carolina Committee of ESGR. “The supportive supervisors and company leadership here at Kellanova are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s reserve components,” Oppenheim said Kellanova employs over 800 people and is very military friendly, providing great support to their Guard and Reserve employees.

“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Ed Hamilton, Southeast Region National Board of Directors and the state chair for North Carolina ESGR, “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness a of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/NC