ANNVILLE, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, held its annual Employer Award Luncheon in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve. The event was held recently at the Keystone Conference Center on Fort Indiantown Gap.

According to Marty Kuhar ESGR Pennsylvania State Chair, “Eighteen employers were recognized with ESGR the following awards: Pro Patria, Above and Beyond, and Seven Seals Awards. The awards are presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission and our service members in the Guard and Reserve.” Kuhar also noted that this group of employers were among those nominated by their servicemember employee for the 2024 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award.

Employers and the awards they received are as follows:
Pro Patria Award recipients:
o Fulton Bank – Lancaster
o Brion Insurance Agency, Inc. – Bethlemem
Above and Beyond Award recipient:
o Vibra Healthcare – Mechanicsburg
Seven Seals Award recipients:
o HOPE at St. Lukes Hospital – Easton
o Boston Beer Company – Breinginsville
o Greencastle Associates, LLC – Malvern
o ANSYS – Cannonsburg
o Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police – Harrisburg
o Highland Park Senior Living – Wilkes-Barre
o WESCO – Trooper
o West Shore Home – Mechanicsburg
o Vibra Healthcare – Mechanicsburg
o Komatsu – Hatfield
o Geisinger Health System – Danville
o Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance – Pittston
o Muhlenberg College – Allentown
o Johnson Controls Navy Systems – York
o Monroe Energy – Trainer
o Gentell Inc. – Yardley

A highlight of the luncheon was the keynote address presented by Brig. Gen. John R. Pippy Director, Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, Pennsylvania National Guard. He leads the integration of strategic and joint staff issues for over 13,000 Soldiers and 4,100 Airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He leads the administration, coordination, planning, development, and execution of all Joint Staff programs that prepare the state for contingency operations in either a federal or state emergency to include man-made or natural disasters, and federal mobilizations.

Brig. Gen. Pippy provided an overview of the Guard’s mission and expressed appreciation to all employers for supporting service members during unit training assemblies, military schooling, extended periods of training, and periods overseas deployments. His presentation was well received and appreciated by all luncheon attendees. Kuhar thanked the General for the outstanding briefing and for his many years of military service.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, many of the employers commented about the dedication, professionalism, expertise, and hard work their servicemember brings to the workforce. Boston Beer Company’s Maintenance Leader commented: “(Airman) Micah Garner’s service to his country is greatly appreciated By Boston Beer. The skills he learns through his service are immensely valuable to our company.” Muhlenberg College’s Dr. Jill Walsh said: On behalf of Muhlenberg College and our campus community, we are honored to receive the Seven Seals Award. We are proud to support Capt. Nicole Berela-Vess and remain deeply grateful for her service as well as the service of all our military members, past and present.”

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.

Photo: Attendees at the Pennsylvania ESGR annual Awards Luncheon.