Greater Indiana District lauded for Supporting Employees Serving in Military

Earns Prestigious Above and Beyond Award for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve netted the Greater Indiana District (GID) one of the state's top awards by the Indiana chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) committee.

The GID received the state-level Above and Beyond Award from Indiana ESGR Chairman Roger Peterman during an awards banquet Sept. 14. The award recognizes employers for policies and practices that support their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

The Greater Indiana District strongly supports our employees' service in the National Guard and Reserve," said E. Lynn Smith, district manager. "While our employees are volunteering to safeguard our national security, we don't want them to be unnecessarily concerned about their employment with us. In addition to providing job security and benefits upon their return, we also offer moral support by keeping in touch with our activated employees to the extent possible, sending notes and care packages, and calling and checking on family members. It's just the right thing to do."

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency whose mission is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.

With almost half of the nation's military is in the Guard and Reserve, citizen Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen are shared with their families, and uniquely, with their employers. ESGR recognizes that without the support of employers, the Total Force of active duty, Guard and Reserve cannot succeed.

ESGR also recognizes the tremendous impact service in the Guard and Reserve has on companies as well. The award is their way to commend and publicly acknowledge a company's support.

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