Spouses of National Guard and Reserve members can now honor their employers with an award.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) is a federal law that protects IAs and other military reservists from discrimination in employment and termination from employment because of their military affiliation. The law is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) serves as a liaison between military reserve and national guard personnel and their civilian employers. ESGR's mission 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 provides trained Ombudsmen who act as mediators to provide information, counseling, and if required mediation to assist employers are in compliance with USERRA laws.

ESGR offers a number of awards to employers who provide exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, including the Above and Beyond Award, the Pro Patria Award, the Freedom Award, and the Patriot Award. In addition, ESGR provides "Bosslifts" which transport employers, via military aircraft, to military facilities where they can observe National Guard and Reserve members on duty. Civilian Employers were also honored by VADM Dirk Debbink, Chief of Navy Reserve.