UNIVERSITY PARK — The Department of Defense’s Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve announced the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory was recognized with the Patriot Award for its support of employees also serving in the Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve.
“Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Patriot Award for their strong and unwavering support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces,” The DoD office said in a statement.
Chief Petty Officer John Groenveld, a U.S. Navy Reservist, nominated ARL’s Brian Toth for the award.
“Brice has been a strong and steadfast supporter of Reservists and Guardsman. He has effectively rebalanced my duties among coworkers while I’ve been on active duty,” Groenveld said. “Brice never complains when short-fused tasking from my active duty gaining command have required me to perform drills during my regular workweek. Brice communicates with my coworkers about my reserve responsibilities and celebrates my uniformed service.”
William Burkhard, the chair of Pennsylvania North-Central Area ESGR, presented the award to Toth.
“I know firsthand how critical it is to pay tribute to those companies and employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces,” Burkhard remarked.
Toth extended his appreciation for the award and recognition noting, “It is extremely important to support employees who are serving and to show that we value their service and the sacrifices they make.”
Also at the Patriot Award presentation ceremony, Robert Rutherford further expressed gratitude for Toth’s support of Groenveld’s service.
“I am extremely proud of ARL’s support of our many employees that are actively serving in the Guard and Reserves. A culture of support is critical to enabling our Guard and Reservists to continue to serve,” Rutherford expressed. “People need to fully appreciate the sacrifices service members make in protecting our freedom.”
Burkhard continued, emphasizing that the support of employers is essential to both the readiness and strength of Guard and Reserve units.
“I am asking all North–Central Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees,” he said. “Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees mobilize.”
According to a press release from ESGR, the organization looks to create a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve.
“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 DoD,” the press release concluded. “Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.”
For more information about ESGR outreach programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities call 1-800-336-4590 or visit ESGR.mil.
