Karen Davis-Pritchett, VP of Access and Inclusion receives the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense

Clearwater, Florida – James Dicks, Chairman of the Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program of the Department of Defense, announced that Karen Davis-Pritchett (Pictured), received the Department of Defense Patriot Award for her exceptional support of the members of the Guard and Reserve that are employed by the organization. The award was requested by Staff Sergeant Rodriquis Stewart (Pictured), North Carolina Air National Guard. SSGT Stewart stated” When I was first hired Karen thanked me for my service. Although I am a Florida resident my unit is part of the GA Air National Guard which permits me to drill with them once a quarter. Karen has been incredibly supportive of this arrangement and continues to thank me for my service via email to all my co-workers. Even though my time on Guard duty varies in length she never questions the amount of time needed. I appreciate working for an employer like this because I never have to choose between my military duty and my responsibilities to my civilian employer.”

The award was presented to Ms. Davis-Pritchett by LTC Roger Trout (USAR-Ret), State Vice Chair of the Florida ESGR committee.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is program of the Department of Defense established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. As the 32 thousand members of the National Guard and Reserve in Florida and Nationally 1.3 million members continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at Floridaesgr.com, or by calling Roger Trout of the Florida ESGR Committee, at (571) 275-8980.