LOUISVILLE – Two Kentucky companies and a public Kentucky entity today received the prestigious Pro Patria Award from the Kentucky Committee for Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense. 

The Pro Patria Award recognizes extraordinary support by employers for their Guard and Reserve employees and is the highest award that can be given by the state ESGR September 10. 

Norton Healthcare in Louisville received the award in the large company category; Housman, Garatt, and Duncan PLLC in Paducah received the award in the small company category; and the Federal Correctional Institution in Manchester received the award in the public category. The awards were presented during a ceremony today at Norton Healthcare’s Brownsboro Hospital. 

The keynote speaker was Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Major General Hal Lamberton.

“On behalf of our Kentucky ESGR committee, we appreciate the exceptional support by these employers for their reserve component service members,” said Mike Richie, chair of the Kentucky ESGR committee. “These employers should be especially proud to be nominated for these prestigious awards by their employees who are also in the Guard. The ways they support their employees’ military service make them an integral part of our national defense structure.” 

ESGR develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers.