LANSDOWNE, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that the Vision Academy Charter School recently received a Pro Patria Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the America’s Reserve forces.

ESGR’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory. Recipients have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. This is the highest-level award that may be bestowed by an ESGR State Committee. 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.

Vision Academy Charter School received the award in recognition for being nominated for the 2024 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. Award nominations are accepted from October 1st through December 31st prior to the award year. The school was nominated for the award by Sgt. Ahmadou Njimoke of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 252 Quartermaster Company located in Southampton, Pennsylvania.

Wes Craig, Pennsylvania Chair Emeritus and Southeast Area Chair, and Jeffrey Hill, a Southeast Area Volunteer, presented the Pro Patria Award to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Adam Kenz. Upon presenting the award Craig noted that Vision Academy Charter School was among the 30-semifinalist selected from submissions accepted from all 50 States and five territories. Craig added: “Vision Academy provides outstanding support for Sgt. Njimoke. They provide full pay and benefits for all weekend and Annual Training, and they stayed in touch with him during his yearlong deployment to the Middle East. They also helped his wife during his deployment when their car broke down, paying for the tow and repair themselves.

Craig commented: “It’s 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. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Craig. “I am asking all Southeast 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 and offer 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, 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): Principal Thomas Coll, Nominator Sgt. Ahmadou Njimoke, and CEO Dr Adam Kenz. Second row (L-R) ESGR Volunteer Jeffrey Hill, and Southeast ESGR Area Chair Wes Craig.