New Jersey Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve

Employer Awards

The National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) sponsors an awards program designed to recognize employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve. All employer recognition and awards originate from nominations by individual Reserve component members. Depending on the degree of support, the level of recognition rises to the "Employer Support Freedom Award," given by the Secretary of Defense.
Employer awards include: "My Boss is a Patriot" (MBIAP) Certificate of Appreciation. ESGR awards this certificate and a Patriot lapel pin on behalf of the Department of Defense. All members of the National Guard and Reserve forces are eligible to nominate their employers for the "My Boss is a Patriot" certificate. This employer recognition is the most frequently presented. A certificate will be given to all employers that are nominated. This nomination is subsequently used by the local ESGR Committee as the basis for consideration to receive higher level awards. Above and Beyond Award. This award is given in limited numbers and presented annually by each ESGR Committee. It is designed to recognize those employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave for military duty. PRO PATRIA Award. It is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. Each committee may give only one PRO PATRIA annually. Employer Support Freedom Award. This award, ESGR's most prestigious, is presented annually to an employer by the Secretary of Defense. It recognizes unique support to National Guard and Reserve employees. The nation's most supportive employer receives the award at a Pentagon ceremony. The Secretary also recognizes four other regional nominees with an award. Who Is Eligible? Employers qualify for recognition when they practice personnel policies that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. To submit your employer for an award please click here.