HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced that the Pennsylvania Office of Administration recently received the Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve.
Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Seven Seals Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces during ESGR’s 50th Anniversary year.
Pennsylvania Office of Administration Military Leave Specialist Dawn Shissler was nominated for the Seven Seals Award by Maj. Zachary Charpentier who is a member of the 2nd Battalion, US Army Reserve Career Counselors located in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.
In nominating Shissler, Charpentier said: “As a State Trooper, Dawn Shissler, has spent countless hours assisting me, and other Troopers, to navigate the leave approval process and has always been available to assist me with any questions, or concerns. Dawn truly cares about the Pennsylvania State Police military members; I don't know what I would do without her diligent service.”
The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive of the awards given by ESGR and was approved by the Pennsylvania ESGR State Chair, Marty Kuhar. The Seven Seals Award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission, to include the efforts of the more than 3,600 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the Nation.
James Astor, the Pennsylvania South-Central Area ESGR Chair, presented the Seven Seals Awards to Shissler. In presenting the awards, Astor commented: “It was an honor to pay tribute to those companies and employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces.”
In addition to presenting a Seven Seals Award to Shissler, Astor obtained a Statement of Support from John Gasdaska, the Pennsylvania Office of Administration’s Acting Deputy Director for Human Resources and Management. The Statement of Support confirms that the company joins other employers in pledging:
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Astor. “I am asking all South-Central Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” 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.”
Pennsylvania Office of Administration joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies, and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Astor added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Pennsylvania Office of Administration is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. 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. 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, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.