West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

09/09/2026

Supporting Those Who Serve: A Look Back at the Greenbrier Business Summit

The Greenbrier Business Summit brought together business and community leaders for conversations focused on strengthening partnerships and supporting West Virginia’s employers, employees, and military-connected communities.

We’re proud to see ESGR represented at events like this, creating opportunities to connect with employers and highlight the importance of supporting our Guard and Reserve members.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the summit a meaningful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue building stronger relationships across West Virginia.

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Chairman - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - WV

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work and dedication of the employees, employers, and service members who help strengthen our communities every day.

For members of the National Guard and Reserve, support from their civilian employers makes it possible to serve both their country and their communities.

Today, we thank those who lead, serve, work, and support others — and recognize the important role that strong employer-employee relationships play in building a stronger workforce and a stronger nation.

Happy Labor Day!

09/03/2026

Connecting Across West Virginia!

The 90th Annual Meeting & Business Summit is underway at The Greenbrier, bringing together leaders from across West Virginia to share ideas, build connections, and look toward the future of our state.

West Virginia ESGR is pleased to be part of these conversations and to connect with fellow business and community leaders.

Johnie Ross, representing ESGR, shares a few thoughts with Frank Vitale from the Summit on what makes these conversations so important.
We’re looking forward to continuing the conversations and connections throughout the week.

Frank Vitale Ross, MSPM

08/31/2026

🇺🇸 ESGR & West Virginia University

West Virginia ESGR was pleased to have Frank Vitale meet with West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to discuss WVU’s continued support of employees and students who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The meeting provided an opportunity to recognize the important resources and support WVU provides to members of the military community, while also discussing opportunities for increased collaboration between West Virginia University and ESGR.

Plans are underway to strengthen this partnership and continue advancing awareness and support for those who serve our state and nation.
West Virginia ESGR appreciates WVU’s commitment to supporting service members and looks forward to continued collaboration in the future.

08/31/2026

🇺🇸 ESGR at The Greenbrier This Week

Here's your friendly Monday reminder that ESGR will be at The Greenbrier this week, creating opportunities to connect with employers, community leaders, service members, and supporters of West Virginia’s military community.

If you’ll be at The Greenbrier this week, we look forward to connecting with you. Frank will also be there representing ESGR and helping continue these important conversations. We look forward to seeing you soon!

08/26/2026

We’re excited to be at The Greenbrier in West Virginia for this upcoming event!
Stop by our table, say hello, and learn more about Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) and our commitment to supporting service members, employers, and the military community.
We look forward to connecting with you! 🇺🇸


Frank Vitale
West Virginia National Guard
Chairman - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - WV

07/27/2026

We’re honored to see the 2026 West Virginia ESGR Awards Ceremony recognized by both WBOY 12News and WDTV 5 News! 🇺🇸

The ceremony celebrated outstanding employers, organizations, and volunteers who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting our National Guard and Reserve Service Members. Congratulations again to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you to everyone who helps strengthen the partnership between military service and civilian employment.

Thank you to WBOY and WDTV for helping share the ESGR mission and highlighting the importance of employer support throughout West Virginia.

📖 Read the coverage:
• WBOY: https://www.wboy.com/news/lewis/stonewall-resort-hosts-ceremony-to-honor-military-employers/amp/
• WDTV: https://www.wdtv.com/2026/07/16/wv-employers-honored-supporting-national-guard-reserve-members/

West Virginia employers who go above and beyond for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve were honored Thursday at the Stonewall Resort.

07/17/2026

The West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) State Committee was honored to host the 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony at Stonewall Resort, recognizing the outstanding employers, volunteers, and community partners who demonstrate exceptional support for our National Guard and Reserve Service Members.

These awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose commitment strengthens the partnership between military service and civilian employment, ensuring our Citizen Warriors receive the support they deserve both in uniform and in the workplace.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients:

🏅 Outstanding Volunteer Award
• Johnnie Ross – Employer Outreach Director

🏅 Exceptional Public Service Award
• Joel Miltenberger – Chair Emeritus

🏅 Patriot Award
• Paul Martin – Central Preston Middle School
• Richard Gibson – Appalachian Timber Services
• Chad Oleska – Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 152
• Jason Fridley – Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 152
• Bryan Raber – Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 152

🏅 Seven Seals Award
• Revolutional
• Randolph County Sheriff's Office
• Robert Mellace – West Virginia Department of Education
• Brian Shaw – ESGR Program Coordinator
• Ashley Mayerich – Forge Business Solutions

🏅 Above and Beyond Award
• West Virginia Department of Education
• Huntington Bank

🏅 Pro Patria Award
• WVU Medicine

Thank you to all of our recipients for your unwavering commitment to supporting those who serve. Your dedication plays a vital role in strengthening our military community and making West Virginia a more supportive place for our National Guard and Reserve members.

Congratulations to all of this year's honorees!

07/04/2026

This Independence Day, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy because of the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve.

We also recognize the employers whose unwavering support makes military service possible. By supporting members of the National Guard and Reserve, these organizations strengthen our communities, our workforce, and our nation.

On behalf of ESGR West Virginia, thank you to our Service Members, their families, and the employers who stand beside them every step of the way.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸