ALLENTOWN, PA. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that the Allentown School District’s South Mountain Middle School recently received a Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserv

Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Seven Seals Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

The Seven Seals Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

The school district’s Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol Birks accepted the Seven Seals on behalf of the school district and middle school. Sgt. Brandon Libro, who will be promoted to Staff Sgt. in November, nominated the South Mountain Middle School for the award. Sgt. Brandon is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 360th Psychological Operations Company, stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

In nominating the middle school, Sgt. Brandon stated in part: “This recognition is a testament to our district’s unwavering commitment to supporting our service members and their families. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Somaris Allen, our Human Capital Manager, whose accessible and responsive support has made a significant difference in my experience as a Soldier in the United States Army Reserve. … Principal Kenny Fritz’s leadership fosters an environment where the contributions of our military personnel are valued and celebrated.”

Presenting the award on behalf of ESGR was Roslyn Schroeder, a Pennsylvania Employer Outreach Representative. Schroeder 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.” Schroeder 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.”

Schroeder noted that in addition to Sgt. Libro’s class, other middle school and district personnel were in attendance in the school auditorium for the Seven Seals Award presentation. Also participating in the event was the Dieruff High School Junior ROTC Color Guard.

Schroeder obtained an ESGR Statement of Support confirming that the Allentown School joins other employers in pledging:
• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crisis and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Schroeder. “I am asking all 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.”

The Allentown School District and South Mountain Middle School join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Schroeder added: “By signing the Statement of Support, the Allentown School District and South Mountain Middle School are sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

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 (L to R): Spencer Cameron, Assistant Principal South Mountain Middle School, Ken Fritz, Principal South Mountain Middle School, Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, Roslyn Schroeder, ESGR Representative, Somaris Allen, Human Capital Manager for the Allentown School District, Sgt. Libro, William Seng, Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr. Ramona Hollie-Major, Director of Talent Management and Recruitment, Jasmine Vasquez, Human Capital Manager, Elizabeth Henning, Labor Specialist and Data Manager.