TACOMA, Wash.– The Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee held its Annual Planning and Awards Meeting (APAM) at the Tacoma Marriot in Tacoma recently.
Volunteers from all over the state gathered to receive updates, and plan better ways to engage employers and military members. Additionally, the event was attended by ESGR Executive Director Capt. Jonathan Townsend, who addressed the volunteers during the morning session.
As part of the event, the King County Head of Talen Acquisition Chris Saffer led a group discussion on developing recruitment of volunteers.
During the awards portion of APAM, volunteers and guests heard from keynote speaker Navy Reserve Center Kitsap Commanding Officer Capt. Kimberley Pizanti, who discussed not only the Navy’s changing role, but about the importance of the relationship between the Navy Reserve and ESGR.
Additionally, local employer Brown & Brown was presented with an Above & Beyond as well as a Patriot Award. The Above and Beyond Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits. Brown and Brown were recognized for going above and beyond the USERRA requirements for giving their employees who serve in the Reserve Components their full salary when they are on military leave.
The following volunteers were recognized for their commitment to the ESGR mission:
“APAM is a great opportunity for our volunteers to get together, and share ideas with each other,” said Washington ESGR State Chair Phil Sanders. “We are especially thankful for Capt. Townsend who took time from his schedule to attend our APAM and hear about the great things that the Washington ESGR committee does in support of the ESGR mission.”