WARMINSTER, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that former Volunteer Support Technician (VST) Theresa Arentzen was honored by Pennsylvania ESGR.

Arentzen was presented a special state committee award for her 15 years as the Pennsylvania ESGR VST. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation from civilian contracting agency employer A Team Solutions LLC.

State Chair Emeritus and Southeast Area Chair Wes Craig presented the award and certificate to Arentzen. Craig reflected that he was the incoming State Chair and president of the VST selection board; he indicated that Arentzen’s noteworthy and exceptional career in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard made her an excellent candidate for the VST position. Craig said: “Her sterling record in several different fields and MOS's showed me that she was dedicated to mission accomplishment, self-motivated, very hard working, and trustworthy. This made her a prime candidate for the job of VST when it became open in 2008… Hiring Theresa was one of the best hiring decisions I have ever made in both my civilian and military careers.”

Reflecting on Arentzen’s tenure as the State’s VST, State Chair Marty Kuhar said: “Arentzen is the model of an ESGR VST that we in Pennsylvania have been fortunate to have for 15 years. She is a complete professional with total dedication, strong work ethic, and the ability to work with all volunteers/National HQs/employers/the military/civilian agencies with an understanding and professional approach, a true problem solver. Her guidance and advise in matters dealing with ESGR protocols and procedures made my transition to the State Chair quite easy; and, after three years it remains so. Her selection to a National Headquarters position is well deserved.”

Upon receiving the award and certificate, Arentzen commented: “I have truly been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing Committee. In my 15 years with PA–ESGR, you guys managed to wiggle you way into my heart, and I call you all family. We have come through a lot together: the loss of several truly amazing volunteers, working through a pandemic, working online to assist volunteers with meetings, advising volunteers of their annual training requirements, and so much more. During this time, I have experienced five Pennsylvania Freedom Award Winning seasons, two Roche Award winners, three Volunteer of the Year winners, and 19 successful bosslifts. It’s been a pleasure working with three State Chairs and four Pennsylvania Adjutant Generals, and so many amazing volunteers.” Arentzen concluded: “I’m proud of the work I’ve done here with you. Pennsylvania ESGR makes a difference in people’s lives.”

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.


PHOTO (R to L): Arentzen being presented with the A Team Solutions LLC Certificate of Appreciation by Craig.