Virginia Honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employees Serving in the National Guard and Reserve
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive the “Pro Patria” award, for extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and reserve. The award will be presented tonight by The Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense.
“The important role Guardsmen and reservists play in safeguarding our nation is without question,” said Governor Kaine. “These brave men and women continue to perform an increasing number of important missions within America’s borders and beyond, and the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue its commitment to support our employees who serve in the National Guard and reserve.”
Virginia’s policies and programs to support its citizens and employees who serve in the National Guard and reserve, include
- the Virginia Citizen-Soldier Support Council which identifies issues that significantly impact the lives of Guard and reserve families during deployment, and collaborates with various support agencies to provide key services to assist the soldiers and their families;
- the Five Star Statement of Support signed by Governor Kaine;
- the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (MSDEP), which waives the cost of tuition and fees at any state-supported college or university in Virginia, and the Military Survivors and Dependents Education Fund, which provides scholarships toward the cost of room, board and books, to children and spouses of military members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or 90 percent disabled as the result of military service in an armed conflict; and
- as an employer, the Commonwealth provides direct benefits to employees who are members of the National Guard and reserve including 15 days of paid military leave pay per year; and opportunities to continue health care benefits while deployed just as if they remained on the job.
Secretary of Public Safety John Marshall will accept the award for the Commonwealth during a dinner held at Vista Point Center, Naval Station Norfolk. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m.
The Virginia Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Committee provides education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Maj. Timothy Crider, 434-298-6181.
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