Baltimore City Employer Awards Luncheon

Presentation of ESGR Above and Beyond Awards: Baltimore, Maryland - The Maryland Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, held its Baltimore City Employer Awards Luncheon on May 5, 2011 at the Captain James Landing in Baltimore, Maryland and Mr. George Doetsch, ESGR Maryland Chair, presented the Above and Beyond Award to Donald Shields, Department of Homeland Security, Curtis Bay; LT Michael Newton, Baltimore Police Department - Eastern District; Major Tilman, IWG Protective Agency; Michelle Miles, Mayor's Office of Employment Development; George Eisner, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters; Charles Adams, Midtown Community Benefits District; Rick Williams, Port Discovery; Rhonda Whetzel, Susquehanna Bank; Mary Powell, University of Maryland Baltimore; and Chief C. Barnes, University of Maryland Police Agency. Also presented was "My Boss is a Patriot" award to Ms. Anita Hammerer, Maryland Military Department and Mr. Rich Goysovich of Kennedy Krieger Institute.

CDR Jeff Cruse was honored with a Seven Seals Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of those who serve in the Maryland National Guard and Reserve. According to Mr. George Doetsch ESGR Maryland Chair, "The Seven Seals Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize significant individual or organizational achievement or support over time that promotes the ESGR Mission. CDR Cruse has been instrumental in coordinating "Boss Lifts" and employer events on behalf of his Sailors and their employers. He has maintained contact with state and local officials promoting awareness of the ESGR mission.

According to Mr. Erwin Burtnick, Maryland ESGR Central Region Area Chair, "The ESGR 'Above and Beyond' Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

The above employers join with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Many employers provide "Above and Beyond" support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling 410-234-3809.

Awards Photos

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