WASHINGTON - Fifty years ago, the United States military began to fill its ranks solely with brave Americans who freely choose to defend our republic. Ever since the draft ended on July 1, 1973, Americans have joined our military out of conviction, not compulsion. Over the years, the members of our All-Volunteer Force have been motivated by patriotism, pride, and principle—by the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and by their love for our exceptional nation.
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Fifteen Exceptional Employers Recognized for Top Honor
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is pleased to announce the 15 recipients of the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest U.S. government honor to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
WASHINTON -- Today (May 5, 2023) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. signed a policy to implement the Brandon Act and improve the process for service members to seek mental health support.
Six outstanding volunteers recognized for selfless service
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 1, 2023) – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve proudly announces the 2022 Volunteers of the Year (VOTY). Volunteers who serve in following functional and operational areas were nominated by their respective State Committee for the prestigious honor of being named Volunteer of the Year: Military Outreach, Employer Outreach, Public Affairs, Training, Ombudsman, and Operations.
WASHINGTON – During National Volunteer Week, we thank our volunteers of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard, and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of the Reserve, benefit directly from the service of our ESGR volunteers.
Editor's note: Updated March 29 to include John Miler of West Virginia who is also a recipient of this year's James M.Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award
WASHINGTON – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award. The recipients are ESGR volunteers nominated by their respective ESGR State Committee Chairs for their exceptional contributions to ESGR’s mission over a sustained period of time.
WASHINGTON – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) proudly announces the 30 finalists for the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The finalists include small and large private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guard or Reserve Component employee employed in their organization. ESGR received 1,863 nominations for this prestigious award for employers throughout the 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Navy Capt. Jonathan Townsend assumes the duties of Executive Director of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) from U.S. Navy Capt. Robbie Underhill Feb 1. In this role, Townsend leads the Department of Defense ESGR in its mission of facilitating and promoting a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service.