On August 2, the Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (DE-ESGR) held its Annual Delaware Employer Recognition Banquet at the Dover Downs Conference Center.

The ESGR event recognized civilian employers who provide significant support to employees that serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Major General Carol A. Timmons, Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard and Colonel Craig C. Peters, 512th Airlift Wing Commander at Dover Air Force Base, were both guest speakers at the event.

“Every year the business community in Delaware is recognized when it comes to supporting our men and women in uniform and this year we had several outstanding organizations with a passion for this type of incredible service to our military. The support they provide goes a long way in allowing our men and women of the National Guard and Reserves to execute their mission knowing their employer has their back and is there for their family. Employers also recognize and support our veterans, as they transition from military to civilian careers. We cannot thank all of the employers enough for all they do,” said Gary Stockbridge, State Chair of the Delaware ESGR committee.

ESGR Awards range from the Patriot Awards given to individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family, to the Pro Patria and Extraordinary Employer Award given to businesses that are at the top tier in supporting our Service Members and in the case of the Extraordinary Employer are able to show sustained performance as the best of the best.  

The 2018 Delaware ESGR Award winners included the following Delaware businesses representing private and public organizations from throughout the First State:

ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARD
New Castle County
Small - Mission BBQ
Large - W.L. Gore & Associates

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Kent County
Large - Walmart Distribution
Public ­- Kent County Superior Court

SEVEN SEALS
J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
JP Morgan Chase & Company
Richard Ruben (ESGR Volunteer)

FREEDOM AWARD NOMINEES
EDiS Company
First State Electric
JP Morgan
Wilmington Police Department
Veterans Administration Medical Center
W.L. Gore & Associates
New Castle County Special Services

FREEDOM AWARD SEMI-FINALISTS
EDiS Company
W.L. Gore & Associates
Bloom Energy
New Castle County Special Services

PRO PATRIA
Bloom Energy
Sallie Mae

EXTRAORDINARY EMPLOYER
New Castle County Government
In addition to the above ESGR awards this year, Wastemasters Solutions (small business), and Delmarva Power (large business), were awarded the JMAC (Joint Military Affairs Committees) Warrior Friendly Award for their ongoing efforts towards hiring, training and promoting service members, veterans and their families. This award is sponsored by the Delaware State, New Castle County and Central Delaware Chambers of Commerce and awarded via their Joint Military Affairs Committees.  

About ESGR
ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within Department of Defense. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
All Delaware employers are encouraged to sign a “Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserves.” For additional information, please contact the Delaware ESGR office at (302) 561-8415.