Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

14/04/2026

Kimberly-Clark Receives Top Department of War Award for National Guard and Reserve Support

NEENAH, Wis. – Acting on behalf of the Secretary of War, Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren, the acting Chief of Navy Reserve, presented the Employer Support Freedom Award to Mike Hsu, Chief Executive Officer of Kimberly-Clark. The ceremony recognized Kimberly-Clark for its industry-leading support of military veteran, National Guard and Reserve Component employees.

The Freedom Award is the highest honor the U.S. government bestows upon employers for their support of military personnel. Kimberly-Clark was one of only fifteen companies selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominations, a testament to its robust support systems and a corporate culture deeply rooted in service.

In accepting the award, Mr. Hsu highlighted the alignment between military and corporate values. “We believe deeply in the value of hiring military talent," he remarked. "Duty, honor, courage, and teamwork. Those values are shared across the services and Kimberly-Clark. When we hire a service member, their strength shows up every day.”

The company’s commitment was further emphasized by Tamera Fenske, Kimberly-Clark’s Chief Supply Chain Officer. “We are deeply proud of our partnership with the armed services, and we will work tirelessly together to maintain that trust,” said Fenske.

10/04/2026

🇺🇸 Strengthening Partnerships Through Experience 🇺🇸

On April 8, 2026, the West Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted a dynamic Bosslift with the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, West Virginia, in partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance and Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce.

This immersive experience provided local employers and community leaders with a firsthand look at the mission, capabilities, and daily operations of the Air National Guard. Participants gained valuable insight into the critical role Citizen Airmen play in supporting both national defense and domestic operations—while balancing their civilian careers.

Bosslifts like this are a cornerstone of ESGR’s mission, fostering understanding, strengthening employer support, and reinforcing the vital connection between our military and the communities they serve.

A sincere thank you to all participating employers for their continued support of our Guard and Reserve members. Your commitment makes a lasting impact.

11/03/2026

🇺🇸 Kansas Reaffirms Support for the Guard and Reserve

The State of Kansas recently demonstrated its strong commitment to Service members and the employers who support them. During a ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse, Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation recognizing the important role of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the partnership between civilian employers and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

ESGR National Chair John Sampa joined state leaders and community partners for the event, highlighting the continued collaboration between employers, communities, and military members who serve both in uniform and in the civilian workforce.

Support from employers across Kansas helps ensure that Guard and Reserve Service members can answer the call to serve while maintaining meaningful civilian careers. Proclamations like this reinforce the shared commitment to strengthening our military readiness and supporting the citizen warriors who protect our nation.

ESGR is proud to stand alongside leaders, employers, and communities who recognize the vital role the Guard and Reserve play in our national security.

🔗 Read more:
https://www.wibw.com/2026/03/10/governor-proclaims-state-support-employer-support-guard-reserve/

The governor signed a proclamation recognizing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

06/03/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Service at Armed Forces Appreciation Day

At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Armed Forces Appreciation Day, leaders and community members came together to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s Service members and their families.

John Sampa, National Chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), attended the event and had the opportunity to greet Anthony J. Tata, highlighting the continued partnership between ESGR leadership and senior defense officials in support of the National Guard and Reserve.

Events like Armed Forces Appreciation Day reinforce the vital connection between communities, employers, and the men and women who serve our nation both in uniform and in their civilian careers.

ESGR remains proud to stand alongside employers and community partners who support the Guard and Reserve.

21/01/2026

When reserve forces are supported at home, they’re stronger in uniform.

During a Leader Development Exchange, the DC ESGR Committee had the opportunity to share employer-support practices with leaders from the Jamaica National Reserve, hosted by the District of Columbia National Guard.

These conversations help partners adapt proven models that support service members, families, and employers—strengthening readiness and alliance interoperability.

20/01/2026

During the week of January 12–15, 2026, the District of Columbia National Guard hosted the Jamaica National Reserve for a Leader Development Exchange focused on strengthening reserve force readiness and cooperation.

As part of this exchange, the District of Columbia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)—led by Kelvin Hart—was invited to share ESGR best practices and lessons learned.

The discussion centered on Jamaica’s interest in adapting elements of ESGR’s employer engagement and support model within their Family Readiness Program. Programs like ESGR play a critical role in helping service members successfully balance civilian employment with reserve service—strengthening partner-nation reserve forces and enhancing their reliability and effectiveness in joint operations.

Engagements like this demonstrate how sharing proven practices contributes to stronger alliances, resilient service members, and more capable reserve forces across borders.

🔗 Learn more:
• https://lnkd.in/eE89yg92
• https://lnkd.in/eFDhDJnb

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

16/12/2025

Congratulations to our new State Chairs who have completed training as they step into their State leadership roles in FY26.

Their leadership is vital as they engage with senior military leadership, business executives, and civic leaders across their states to forge the partnerships that directly support our Guard and Reserve Service members.

To prepare for this important mission, training was offered in July and December, where Chairs dove into:
🔹 Leadership Development & Strategic Planning
🔹 Financial & Operational Responsibilities
🔹 Volunteer Engagement & Recruitment
🔹 Employer & Military Outreach Initiatives

The program culminated in a formal swearing-in ceremony, officially marking their transition into their appointed State Chair positions.

Join us in congratulating our new FY26 State Chairs:
Patricia Anslow - AR
Lesbia Nieves - CT
Frank Dobson – DE
Thomas Hardin - GA
David MacDonna – IL
Ron Brown - KS
Jennifer Tyll – ME
Donald Roy - NY
Mabry Martin - NC
Cecil Owens – OR
Matthew McCoy – RI
David Allen - UT
James Wynne - WA
Frank Vitale – WV

13/12/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Service and Commitment 🇺🇸

Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata opened Wreaths Across America Day with a moving tribute and the placement of the inaugural wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial during a ceremony hosted by the Department of War’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

This ceremony marked the culminating moment of the Veteran Ready Summit, bringing together more than 100 major employers dedicated to strengthening recruitment, retention, and support for veterans and Reserve Component service members.

Held annually during the week leading into Wreaths Across America Day, the Veteran Ready Summit reinforces partnerships between employers and the military community. Ahead of the wreath-laying, participating employers proudly signed ESGR Statements of Support, affirming their commitment to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

On Wreaths Across America Day—observed nationwide on the second Saturday in December—volunteers honor fallen service members by placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery and thousands of memorial sites across the U.S. and overseas.

We remember. We honor. We teach. 🇺🇸

Full Article: https://usg01.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.war.gov%2FNews%2FNews-Stories%2FArticle%2FArticle%2F4359192%2Fdow-leader-honors-fallen-thanks-employers-of-guard-reserve%2F&data=05%7C02%7Clindsey.b.hinojosa.mil%40mail.mil%7C46828792bebf49ee3bf908de39d8ce9c%7C102d0191eeae4761b1cb1a83e86ef445%7C0%7C0%7C639011800518476614%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wvUUP%2FTXUHKDv%2BzkdDrspM62WCnnvTvbMbmSfMhuUy8%3D&reserved=0

25/09/2025

🎉 Big congratulations to Boyd Jones Construction of Omaha, Nebraska, for receiving the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award! 🦅

The Freedom Award is the highest honor given by the U.S. Government to employers who go above and beyond in supporting their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

Boyd Jones is one of just 15 employers nationwide chosen from more than 1,200 nominations this year — a true example of what it means to support service members, their families, and our communities.

👏 Thank you, Boyd Jones, for setting the standard and showing what it means to say: We All Serve.

24/09/2025

🎉 Honoring Employer Excellence! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that two Texas organizations have received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award — the highest recognition for employers of National Guard & Reserve members.

🏆 GM Financial (Fort Worth, TX) was recognized for its outstanding support of Guard & Reserve employees.
🏆 Coppell ISD was one of just 15 employers nationwide — and the only school district — to be honored this year, nominated by Marine Corps Reservist Lt. Col. Esther Gomez Splawn.

👏 Congratulations to GM Financial and Coppell ISD for setting the standard of excellence in supporting our service members and their families!



Tags: Financial ISD ESGR

18/09/2025

Happy Birthday, Air Force!

16/09/2025

Honeywell and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) were honored with the Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers of National Guard and Reserve members.
Presented during a ceremony at the 34th Infantry Division Headquarters in Arden Hills, the award highlights the exceptional support both organizations provide to their employees serving in the Reserve Component. Honeywell and MAC were among just 15 recipients selected from over 1,200 nominations nationwide.
Nominated by their own employees, both organizations were recognized for their steadfast commitment to national defense and the readiness of the Guard and Reserve to respond to crises at home and abroad.