MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that a Millersville University recently received Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

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 Seven Seals Award is presented in “recognition of meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women that serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces”.

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

Millersville University’s was nominated for the Seven Seals Award by Capt. Alexandra Redcay who is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 411th Engineering Brigade stationed in New Windsor, New York.

In nominating the university, Capt. Redcay stated: “Dr. Willox, and the University, were very understanding about my deployment. They allowed me to teach a mini semester, enabling me to complete my classes with my students. They also offered me a break upon my return, so I didn't have to jump right back into teaching. The university has been very supportive of military commitment, and I appreciate that I don't have to worry about my civilian job while I'm away. I proudly submitted Millersville University as a candidate for the Freedom Award.”

Pennsylvania South-Central Area Chair James Astor presented the award to Dean Dr. Lara Willox. 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 Seven Seals Awards, Astor obtained a Statement of Support from Millersville University’s Assistant Director of Human Resources Melissa Higgins. 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.

Millersville University 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, Millersville University 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): South-Central Area Chair Astor, Dean Willox, Capt. Redcay, and Department Chair Dr. Karen Rice.