MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Veterans Affairs (VA), Cumberland County VA Clinic supervisor recently received Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

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

Veterans Affairs Medical Director Dr. Brandon Dearman was nominated for the Patriot Award by Capt. George Donavos who is a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron stationed in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

In nominating Dr. Dearman, Capt. Donavos stated: “Dr. Dearman is always supportive of the Air Force Reserve service and unit’s mission and all service members. As the medical director of the Cumberland County VA Clinic, Dr Dearman has gone above and beyond in helping me and all service members working at the VA. He’s also a strong supporter of thousands of veterans. For all he has done, on my behalf, and others, I can think of no one else more deserving of this award.”

Presenting the award on behalf of ESGR was James Astor, Pennsylvania South-Central Area Chair. Astor 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.” Astor 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 the Patriot Award, Astor obtained a Statement of Support from Dr. Dearman. The Statement of Support confirms that the company 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 crises and in war.

Veterans Affairs, Cumberland County VA Clinic joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Astor added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Veterans Affairs, Cumberland County VA Clinic 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.”

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

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–R): Patriot Award recipient Dr Dearman and Captain Donavos