BREINIGSVILLE, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Boston Beer recently received a Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. 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. According to Joe Gentile ESGR East-Central Area Chair, “The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the State Chair or by ESGR senior leadership. The award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission.” Boston Beer was previously nominated for the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. As a result of that nomination, Pennsylvania State Chair Marty Kuhar awarded the company with a Seven Seals Award. Gentile presented the Seven Seals Award to Boston Beer’s Maintenance Leader Gideon Condon who accepted the award on behalf of the company. Also present for the award presentation was Human Resources Coworker Relations representative Jess Ashby. In presenting the award, Gentile 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.” Gentile 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.” In addition to presenting a Seven Seals Award, Gentile obtained a Statement of Support from Human Resources Coworker Relations representative Jess Ashby. The Statement of Support confirms that the Boston Beer joins other employers in pledging:
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Gentile. “I am asking all East-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.” Boston Beer joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Gentile added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Boston Beer is 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, 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 to R): Maintenance Leader Condon, ESGR East–Central Area Chair Gentile and Human Resources Coworker Relations representative Jess Ashby Photo courtesy of Boston Beer’s Senior Human Resources Business Partner Beth Seara.