Durant, Okla. – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, announced signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve February 6, 2025, by Jack Austin, Jr., Deputy Chief of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
The Statement of Support confirms the Choctaw Nation 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 Paul Ray, Oklahoma ESGR State Chair. “I am asking all Oklahoma employers to look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees. Many Oklahoma 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.”
When asked about the criteria, Paul Ray, Oklahoma ESGR State Chair said, “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, the Choctaw Nation pledges to stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to support our communities at home and critical missions throughout the world. Their sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.”
“Choctaw Nation joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Ray. “By signing the Statement of Support, Choctaw Nation 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.”
The Choctaw Nation has earned every ESGR award, from the Patriot Award as nominated by Guard and Reserve employees given to Supervisors, the Seven Seals Award for supporting the Oklahoma Committee, the Above and Beyond Award given to companies that go above and beyond the requirements of USERRA law in supporting their Guard and Reserve employees, the Pro Patria Award given to employers who 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, the Extraordinary Employer Support Award created to recognize sustained employer support of National Guard and Reserve service, and the coveted Secretary of Defense Freedom Award given to only 15 companies nationwide each year -- the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.
For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/OK.