2026 Employer Awards Luncheon – Department of War Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
R2W Founder Rob Brazell also serves as an Area Chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). In that role, he attended this year’s annual ESGR luncheon on Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Vista on the Applewood Golf Course in Golden, Colorado to recognize outstanding employers of National Guard and Reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Members of the Guard and Reserve balance the demands of military service with civilian careers, requiring them to transition between two distinct professional cultures throughout the year. While these transitions can be challenging, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and ESGR programs help ensure service members receive the support they need. ESGR also recognizes employers whose commitment to military employees makes these transitions as seamless and effective as possible, strengthening both military readiness and workforce resilience.
Brazell said, “It was an honor to be seated among former recipients of the Freedom Award, the Department of War’s highest recognition for employers who provide exceptional support to members of the National Guard and Reserve. Being in the company of such distinguished leaders was both humbling and inspiring.
The event also provided an opportunity to meet senior military leaders, including an admiral, generals, commanding officers from multiple military organizations, chaplains, and Guard and Reserve service members who had nominated their employers for military recognition. I was equally honored to engage with community leaders such as Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli and the Klein family of Art C. Klein Construction in Colorado Springs. The luncheon highlighted the strong partnership among military, business, and community leaders who share a commitment to supporting those who serve our nation.”
AGENDA
National Anthem
Invocation
Chaplain, (COL) David A. Nagel, Colorado National Guard
Welcome
Alison Patton, Chair, Colorado ESGR
Lunch
Guest Speakers
Major General Robert B. Davis, The Adjutant General of Colorado (TAG)
Major Smantha Paycheck, Region Chief of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve HQ
Presentation of Awards
Closing
Alison Patton, Chair, Colorado ESGR
AWARDS
Seven Seals Award Winners
Kratos Defense
Thornton Fire Department
Department of the Interior – Office of Inspector General
Arapahoe County Cler and Recorder
Ursa Major Technologies
Littleton Baptist Church
The ESGR Seven Seals award is presented at the discretion of the State Chair in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative or support that promotes the ESGR mission.
Above and Beyond Award Winners
Boulder County Government
Mesa County Sherriff’s Office
Omni Federal
The Above and Beyond Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USSERA) by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits. The award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award, and who have sign or agree to sign and ESGR Statement of Support.
Pro Patria Award Winners
Northglenn Police Department
Transcarent
The Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory who has provided the most exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve
Freedom Award
The Secretary of War ESGR Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. It is presented annually to the nation’s 15 most supportive employers, usually at the Pentagon.
Check back for photos and details about the nominating Guard and Reserve members and their supervisors/managers.
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