HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Alexander Building Construction’s Project Manager recently received a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Patriot Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

Alexander Building Construction’s Jeremy Novinger was nominated for the Patriot Award by Sgt. Colton Welsh who is a member of the Army Reserve’s 630th Transportation Company located in Chambersburg.

In nominating Novinger, Sgt. Welsh stated: “Jeremy Novinger has displayed selfless service as a supervisor, always providing a flexible schedule, and accommodations, when I have been called to drill and service. He’s worked me and the military to accommodate my needs without complaint, with gratitude, and with pride in his nation. Supervisors like Mr. Novinger make it possible to have highly effective Guard and Reserve forces. He is an exemplary patriot and selfless supervisor.”

Presenting the award on behalf of ESGR was James Astor, Pennsylvania South-Central Area Chair. Astor 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.” Astor added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.”

“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.”

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, a 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 (L–R): Project Manager Novinger; Sgt. Welsh; and PA-ESGR South-Central Area Chair Astor.