HORSHAM, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that State Chair Emeritus Wesley (Wes) Craig was inducted into the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Hall of Fame in October.
Craig’s career in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard spanned 40 years and culminated upon his retirement as the Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard with the rank of Major General. His service to the Nation and servicemembers continues after his retirement from the Guard. Craig joined the ESGR ranks as volunteer in 2007 and quickly assumed leadership positions as an Area Chair, State Chair, and State Military Outreach Director.
Having been recognized with this honor, Craig commented: “I certainly owe this induction into the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Hall of Fame to the thousands of Soldiers and Airmen who I was honored to work with and command. They are the ones who did the hard work, inspired me to continue my career, and helped me grow as a leader. The dedicated volunteers of ESGR, the Liberty USO, the Army War College Foundation and Our Community Salutes gave me a way to continue my support of all who serve in uniform. I am humbled and honored by this award and plan to continue my service as a volunteer.”
Marty Kuhar, Pennsylvania ESGR State Chair, served in the Pennsylvania Guard under Craig and recalls the strong and compassionate leadership under Craig’s command, characteristics that Craig continues to exemplify throughout his varied ESGR volunteer positions.
“Pennsylvania ESGR is quite fortunate to have Maj. Gen. (retired) Craig remain as one of the most active committee members,” said Kuhar. As Military Outreach Director, Wes is instrumental in maintaining open lines of communications with the Guard leadership to ensure the success of ESGR programs like BossLift and the timely conduct of critical Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) briefing to units scheduled for deployment or deactivation.”
Kuhar went on to say, “Wes is always ready to volunteer anywhere across Pennsylvania to brief civic organizations, conferences, and employers about ESGR’s mission and USERRA. Wes continues to set the standards for all of us to follow. His being named to this Hall of Fame is most deserving.”
Upon learning of Craig’s induction into the Pennsylvania DMVA Hall of Fame, ESGR National Chair Ronald E. Bogle commented, in part: "In a life well-lived, Wes Craig has demonstrated his servant's heart and professionalism at the very highest levels. Attaining the rank of Major General during his distinguished military career, he has continued to provide support for those currently in military service through his participation in other volunteer organizations like ESGR. His extraordinary public service exemplifies the highest traditions of service to our nation."
Also commenting on Craig’s accomplishments and service is ESGR’s Executive Director U.S. Navy Capt. Jonathan Townsend who said, “Maj. Gen. Craig’s untiring efforts and selfless dedication continues to enhance ESGR’s mission to develop and promote supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. He sets the highest bar within our expansive group of dedicated volunteer servants.”
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/PA.
PHOTO #1 (L–R): Pennsylvania Army National Guard Adjutant General Mag. Gen. Schindler and Pennsylvania DMVA Hall of Fame inductee Wesley Craig
PHOTO #2: Craig’s Pennsylvania DMVA Hall of Fame induction certificate.
Photos courtesy of the Pennsylvania National Guard Public Affairs Office