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Employers of Guard and Reserve honored for going above and beyond

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Palmer
  • 152nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. --  The North Las Vegas Readiness Center welcomed approximately 60 employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists for an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) sponsored tour and awards ceremony here on May 14. The event celebrated the employers' generosity and support and was an opportunity for the Guard and Reserve members they employ to show their appreciation.

Employers from northern Nevada were flown to Las Vegas in a C-130 Hercules courtesy of the 192nd Airlift Squadron. Some of the employers enjoyed a portion of their trip from the flight deck. Once at the Readiness Center, they began their base tour with a welcome speech from the Nevada ESGR Chairman and retired colonel, Dave Cantrell.

Afterwards, those participants were invited to view static displays of Army National Guard equipment. The displays included equipment from the 422nd Signal Company, 1864th Transportation Company, and the 92nd Civil Support Team conducted a capabilities demonstration. The 1/221nd Cavalry showcased their weapons simulator and the 72nd Military Police took employers on a ride along in their tactical vehicles. Employers were allowed to handle and view a variety of weapons and equipment that National Guard members use while performing their military duties.

After the tour, the employers were treated to lunch at the dining facility where Col. David Clark, 152nd Airlift Wing vice commander and Sparks Middle School teacher, along with Ms. Phyllis A. James, from MGM Resorts International, spoke. Lunch included an awards ceremony that honored employers and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding support for the Guard and Reserve members they employ.

"This event was great," said Clark. "Without the employers and their support there would be no National Guard or Reserve. It's very important that they realize what Guardsmen and Reservists do and what they sacrifice, and it is equally important that we honor those employers in turn for their commitment to our members."

Some civilian employers make up the difference in a member's pay when they are placed on orders for those who make less than their usual civilian wage while they are called to duty. Other employers send care packages to their Guard and Reserve employees while they're deployed.

An employer can be nominated by a Guard member employee for the Patriot Award. For this prestigious award, the Nevada ESGR Committee conducts research to determine the degree to which the employer supports their Guard members. The selectees are placed in categories based on the committee's determination of the level of support.

This annual event, put on by the ESGR committee, is an opportunity for Guard and Reserve members to thank to their employers who are supportive when they are called up to active service. It also allows the employer to see some of the equipment and environment in which their employees work when they are doing their military job.

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