C of O Honored for National Guard Support

College of the Ozarks is honored as an employer that supports the National Guard and Reserves.

The full details are below with the full release from C of O:

College of the Ozarks received an award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, to recognize employers because of their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves and their families.

The awards presentation ceremony was conducted during the annual ESGR Awards Banquet on Friday, 6:30 p.m., August 12, 2022. The College received the “Extraordinary Support of the Guard and Reserve” at this event for their continued support of the military. 
Other awards included the “Patriot Award,” the “Above and Beyond,” and the top “Pro Patria Award” which were also presented at the University Plaza, in the John Q room. Over 40 employers committed to attend. Tom Krahenbulh, State Chair, Missouri Committee, ESGR officiated the event. 

Dr. Jerry Davis, Chancellor, College of the Ozarks, served as keynote speaker. College of the Ozarks has previously received numerous awards for their support of the Guard and Reserve members and their families. Awards presented to various employers included the prestigious Secretary of Defense “Freedom Award.”  The Freedom Award is the highest lifetime award given by the government to a civilian employer.
Other employers recognized at the event included the following: CoxHealth, Neosho School District, Battlefield Fire Protection District, Branson Fire Rescue, Branson, Police Department, Evangel University, Missouri State University, Regional Hospice, Bass Pro, Missouri Eagle, and Nature’s Image. 

According to Krahenbulh, “The annual awards banquet was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees. The awards are state level awards that recognize the employers that give benefits and support “Above and Beyond” what is required by law. This is viewed as an incentive by the employer for those employees to join and serve in the military. Those employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.” 

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 advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between employers and service members. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling (Steve Brothers at 573-638-9625).