JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that a Lifetime Achievement Award and Seven Seals Award were presented to Mountain Area Chair Gregory Simmons by State Chair Marty Kuhar.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to committee members in recognition of a significant achievement in promoting ESGR objectives over a significant amount of time. Recipients must serve as a committee member for a minimum of 20 consecutive years.
Simmons joined ESGR in 1997 as a volunteer in the state’s Mountain Area which encompasses the Counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset. In his 27 years of service Simmons has served as an area Ombudsman Director and Employer Outreach program coordinator.
Upon presenting Simmons with the award, Kuhar said: “Twenty-seven years of exceptional support to the members of the National Guard and Reserves and their Employers is both commendable and an excellent model to be emulated. On behalf of Pennsylvania ESGR, thank you for all that you have done for this state and the nation.”
The Seven Seals Award is presented to volunteers in recognition of a significant in promoting ESGR objectives. Kuhar recognized Simmons for his exceptional Employer Outreach initiatives. Simmons is actively involved with employer showcase events in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to inform attendees about ESGR’s mission and programs. Additionally, he is a leader in obtaining employer signed Statement of Support for servicemember in the Reserved forces.
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: Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Simmons and Pennsylvania ESGR State Chair Kuhar.