PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Aramark recently received a Pro Patria Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Pro Patria Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces during ESGR’s 50th Anniversary year.
Aramark’s Joe Damico, VP of Operations, accepted the Pro Patria Award from ESGR’s Southeast Pennsylvania Area Chair and State Chair Emeritus Wes Craig. ESGR’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory. Recipients 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. This is the highest-level award that may be bestowed by an ESGR State Committee.
Employers who have been honored with the Above and Beyond Award, who have had at least one supervisor or other representative honored with a Patriot Award, and who have signed a Statement of Support are eligible for the Pro Patria Award. In addition, Aramark has received past nominations for the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award; the company was nominated by Sgt. 1st Class Brian DeCamp, an Air Force Reservist in California.
The Pro Patria Award presentation took place at Aramark’s military outreach hiring event held the Philadelphia corporate headquarters. The hiring event offered job opportunities to future Air Force veterans from McGuire Air Force Base; the recruiting initiative was part of their regular military recruiting program to hire veterans and members of the Guard and Reserves. Twenty-one future veterans interviewed for positions with Aramark during the day’s event.
Aramark’s military outreach initiatives are indicative of the company’s appreciation of the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and their commitment to offering job opportunities to Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans. Craig observed that Aramark provides full pay for four weeks of military leave and makes up any difference between civilian and military pay for the duration of any long-term deployment. Aramark also extend 100% of all benefits for all military leave. Aramark actively maintains contact with their deployed Guard and Reserve employees through a company sponsored support group that sends care packages and cards to anyone deployed.
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.