UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, participated in The Pennsylvania State University’s (Penn State) 13th annual Military Appreciation Day tailgate festivities.

Seven thousand Guard, Reserve, family members and Veterans participated in a tailgate luncheon in Penn State’s Bryce Jordon Center Sept. 21. Attendees were greeted and thanked for their service. Entertainment was provided by the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Division Band while individuals enjoyed a verity of meal options donated by Walmart and served by over 100 volunteers. After attending the tailgate, attendees went to Beaver Stadium to watch the Penn State vs. Kent State football game,

Pennsylvania ESGR’s North-Central Area Chair and Ombudsman Director Terry Curran provided literature about the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, ESGR’s mission, and ESGR’s awards recognition program to Guard and Reserve members.

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 1: Military Appreciation Day at Penn State’s Bryce Jordon Center.

PHOTO 2: ESGR North-Central Area and Ombudsman Director Curran.