SHARON, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Sharon Sanitary Authority recently received a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present Sharon Sanitary Authority with the Patriot Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces during ESGR’s 50th Anniversary year.

Sharon Sanitary Authority’s Molly Campbell was nominated for the Patriot Award by Staff Sgt. Tyler Kitch who is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 910th Civil Engineering Squadron stationed at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio.

In nominating Campbell, Kitch said: “Throughout my eleven years of service in the Reserves, I have had the opportunity to work under three different employers. I am pleased with Sharon Sanitary Authority, and my supervisor the most. They have shown unwavering support for my military commitments, including drill weekends, annual tours, and short tasked deployments. From my first day on the job, I was assured that I would receive the support I needed. This level of support and understanding has greatly reduced any stress or concerns I previously had about balancing my military service with my civilian career. I am grateful for the support I have received from my employer and feel proud to serve my country.”

Presenting the award to Campbell on behalf of ESGR was Debbie Golden, Pennsylvania Northwest Area Volunteer and Ombudsman. Golden commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.” Golden added: “Today’s members of the National Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

Sharon Sanitary Authority Director Todd Carenbauer signed an ESGR Statement of Support confirming that Sharon Sanitary Authority joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).

• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.

• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Golden. “I am asking all Northwest 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.”
Sharon Sanitary Authority joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Golden added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Sharon Sanitary Authority 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.