SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Support from employers for uniformed citizens was celebrated July 19, 2019 at the Scott Air Force Base Event Center during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Annual Employer Awards Banquet.
Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd Airlift Wing commander was the special guest speaker and helped to present awards given to employers that demonstrated unrivaled support of their military employees.
“As a direct beneficiary of an employer who allowed me a year off to complete pilot training., I am forever grateful to the ESGR for the education and care they provide both airmen and employers alike,” said Collins.
Collins was joined by the 932nd AW Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Barbara Gilmore and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wallace, 932nd Security Forces Squadron defender.
Wallace nominated his employer, Icon Mechanical, for the Pro Patria award.
“I have been working for icon Mechanical for almost just as long as I have been in the 932nd ,” said Wallace. “That time includes two deployments and many TDY’s which means a lot of time away from home and work. During the time away they [Icon Mechanical] have been very supportive of my family and me.”
Wallace commented that after having received care packages, Icon Mechanical leadership checked in on his family while deployed and he wanted to show his appreciation.
“I got onto the ESGR’s website and nominated them for an award to just show appreciation for what they have done for me,” said Wallace.
The event was a great place to show the appreciation for the employers and a good learning experience for them to understand the impact that they have on our military careers added Wallace about his attendance at the banquet.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense program, established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts that might arise from an employee’s military commitment.
Command Chief Gilmore had this to add, “thank you to ESGR for putting on a fabulous event to honor employers for going above and beyond in the support they have given our Airmen.”
For more information about the ESGR and nominating an employer, please visit their website at
https://www.esgr.mil/Service-Members-Family/Nominate-your-Employer