« All News

2026 Employer Awards Luncheon – Department of War Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

/0 Comments/in , /by

After Action Report (AAR)

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 their employees who are also 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 (CONG)

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

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.

Kratos Defense
Colorado Springs, Colorado – Large Business
Nominated by:  COL Adam Fisher – USAFR

Thornton Fire Department
Thornton, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  MSgt Adam Shockey – USAFR

Department of the Interior – Office of Inspector General
Lakewood, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  CDR Brian Simonson – USCGR

Fidelity Investments
Greenwood Village, Colorado – Large Busines
Nominated by:  SPC Adam Lewin – USAR

Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder
Littleton, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  SGT Alexandra Ziehr – COARNG

Ursa Major Technologies
Berthoud, Colorado – Small Business
Nominated by: Capt. Savanah Bray – USAFR

Littleton Baptist Church
Littleton, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  Col. Mike Sprout AZANG and Capt. Caleb Schaaf – UTANG

Alison Patten, ESGR Colorado Chair, Capt. Caleb Schaaf – UTANG, Deacon, Littleton Babtist Church, and Major General Davis, TAG

Above and Beyond Award Winners

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.

Boulder County Government
Boulder, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  SSgt Gustavo Castanaza – COARNG

Alison Patton, Colorado ESGR Chair; [] Boulder County; Natalie Springett, Commissioners’ Deputy for Boulder County; Major General Davis, TAG; and SSgt Gustavo Castanaza – COARNG

See related stories about these people at Boulder County: Honoring Community Leaders Who Support Those Who Serve

Rob Brazell, R2W Founder is the Boulder Area Chair at the Department of War Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). In this role, he recently presented the Patriot Award to Natalie Springett, Commissioners’ Deputy, Boulder County. She was nominated by Gustavo Cortez, Administrative Division Manager who is also in the Air Force Reserve.

Mesa County Sherriff’s Office
Grand Junction, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  SSG Barry Hernandez – COARNG

Omni Federal
Colorado Spring, Colorado – Small Business
Nominated by:  CMSgt Joshua Savitt – USAFR

Pro Patria Award Winners

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

Northglenn Police Department
Northglenn, Colorado – Public Sector
Nominated by:  TSgt Skyla Richardson Colorado Air National Guard

COL H., USAF; Alison Patton, Colorado ESGR Chair; Jamie Thibodeau, NPD; Justin Lauk, NPD; Deputy Chief Rice, NPD; Major General Davis, TAG

See related story about these people at Northglenn Police Department (NPD): ESGR Patriot Award – Northglenn Police Department (NPD)

Patriot Award: Skyla Richardson, USAF, Justin Lauk, NPD, Rob Brazell, ESGR Area Chair; and Jammie Thibodeau, NPD

Transcarent
Denver, Colorado – Large Business
Nominated by:  SGM Kansas Jackson, United States Army 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.

Follow Colorado ESGR on Facebook for the latest updates.

Donate    Volunteer     Contact

« All News

Rocky Mountain Groom Expo – Diedre Hered and Bilbo, aka “Yin”

/0 Comments/in , /by

The event was a huge success in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds and beating a severe disability.  See our event page for details:  https://return2work.org/event/rocky-mountain-groom-expo/

Yin and Yang, R2W’s mascots, are the heart and soul of Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W).  Please donate to help cover our cost for our mascots who do so much to advocate our National Guard and Reserve families.

Diedre and Bilbo, aka “Yin”, at a previous dog show – she has been helping R2W’s cause for a while.

Diedre’s son Jack was very supportive of his mother at this show.

Diedre and Bilbo, aka “Yin” at this event.

 

Donate    Volunteer

« All News

R2W Launches Vote4Us.org | Public Awareness Campaign | Weekly Meetings For Monthly Marches

/0 Comments/in , /by

See our Events page for more details.

We generated this image with AI in a shockingly short period of time– doesn’t Davey Crockette look like he needs a Cream Soda bubble bath!

a {
text-decoration: none;
color: #464feb;
}
tr th, tr td {
border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;
}
tr th {
background-color: #f5f5f5;
}

In summers past, our interns put their talents to work exploring donated technologies that helped connect injured Guard and Reserve members with remarkable employers ready to welcome them aboard. 🌟

This year, we’re turning our attention to the colorful world of social media, where marketing and advertising students are learning the magic of public awareness campaigns and discovering how great ideas can inspire entire communities. 📣✨

Take a hop, skip, and a click over to vote4us.org, then join us for our weekly Teams planning meetings as we dream, plan, and prepare for the road ahead.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your walking shoes and march alongside me and the boys in a couple of weeks at a strategic corner near you! Together, we’ll turn sidewalks into stages and conversations into momentum. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🎉

 

Donate    Volunteer    Contact Us

« All News

ESGR Patriot Award – Northglenn Police Department (NPD)

/0 Comments/in , /by

After Action Report (AAR)

See our events page for more details.

R2W Founder Rob Brazell is also an Area Chair for the Department of War Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  In that role, Rob Brazell presented the military’s Patriot Award to Justin Lauk and Jammie Thibodaue at the Northglenn Police Department (NPD) for their exemplary support of Guard and Reserve employees.  They were nominated by TSgt Skyla Richardson, Colorado Air National Guard.

Northglenn Police Department was also nominated for the Freedom Award, the military’s top award.  Check our news page for other stories about NPD including other high awards at ESGR’s annual awards luncheon.

Chief May gave a rousing speech about the importance of his National Guard and Reserve employees. NPD has exceptional policies that go above and beyond USERRA, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

« All News

Honoring Community Leaders Who Support Those Who Serve

/0 Comments/in , /by
By Alexander Baker, Lead STEM Intern
At Project: Return to Work, we know our mission depends on dedicated partners. Our community—including employers, government leaders, and advocates—ensures veterans and military families receive vital support. That’s why we proudly highlight a recent recognition in Boulder County, showing the power of this collective effort.
Natalie Springett, Commissioners’ Deputy for Boulder County, was recently presented with the ESGR Patriot Award by Rob Brazell, Boulder area chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award was given in recognition of her outstanding support of Boulder County employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
The Patriot Award honors supervisors who support service members through flexible schedules, time off, family care, and leaves of absence. It is nominated by service members or their families—meaning this recognition came from those Natalie has directly impacted.

Boulder County Government shared this story on their social media, and we were moved to see this kind of leadership recognized publicly. You can read their full post here:  Boulder County Government on Instagram.

All credit belongs to ESGR for championing employer support for our military community, and to Boulder County and Natalie Springett for embodying the exact values this award represents.
At R2W, we are proud to work with fellow community leaders who make supporting veterans and military families a shared priority. Natalie’s story demonstrates the impact one leader can have—but also reminds us that meaningful support happens when a whole community believes in serving those who serve.
To learn more about ESGR, the Patriot Award, or how you can get involved in supporting service members, visit esgr.mil today.

« All News

R2W’s Military Connection: ESGR Updates from the Front Lines

/0 Comments/in , /by

Project: Return to Work has deep ties to Colorado’s military community, and we want to share some of what’s happening there.

R2W Founder Rob Brazell serves as the Boulder Area Chair for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a federal program that supports Guard and Reserve members and their employers. Rob gives briefings to National Guard and Reserve members on their way to and returning from deployment, and presents high military awards to exceptional employers who go above and beyond for their service members.

ESGR Colorado has been busy in early 2026. In January and February, volunteers attended events including COARNG deployment briefings across the state, the Mile High SHRM Conference, the CONG Leadership Symposium, and an in-person volunteer training. Looking ahead, the 2026 Colorado Committee Annual Program and Awards Meeting (APAM) is scheduled for April 25th at JFHQ.

We’re proud to share their newsletters here as a window into this important work. Please enjoy the latest updates from our military partners.

February 2026 Monthly Newsletter.pdf

March 2026 Newsletter.pdf

Follow Colorado ESGR on Facebook for the latest updates, and check out this recent highlight from their page.

« All News

Roundtable – Pressing R2W House into Service

/0 Comments/in , /by

March 20, 2026
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight-Saving Time
Roundtable | R2W House – Florida | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

R2W House represents a significant strategic asset and an extraordinary philanthropic gift. The purpose of this Roundtable is to bring senior leaders together to determine how this resource can be most effectively employed in service to the nation. We aim to honor the legacy of Frankie Ruth Nixon Brazell—’Fran’—by advancing her commitment to supporting families of wounded military service members, disabled civilians, and others facing hardship. R2W Directors and subject‑matter experts will brief you on potential mission sets and operational concepts for putting Fran’s estate to work for those who need it most.

Use our Contact page for more information.
https://www.return2work.org/contact

AGENDA

  • Opening Prayer – Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain
  • The Estate – Rob Brazell, R2W Founder
  • The Foundation and Trust Fund – Larry Gustafson, R2W Treasurer
  • R2W Programs – Raghav Singh, R2W Director (Candidate)
  • Community Engagement – Peter Donlevy and Steve Muse, Edward Jones
  • Stacking Grow Containers on The Back Lot – Corey Waggoner, President, Higher Yields Consulting
    • Revenue for R2W House
    • Training opportunities for students and injured Guard & Reserve families
  • R2W Mentors – Ryan Chester, R2W Volunteer
  • Testimonials
  • Closing Prayer – Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain

 

Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain

Rob Brazell, R2W Founder

Larry Gustafson, R2W Treasurer and Chief Legal Officer

Raghav Singh, R2W Director (Candidate)

Peter Donlevy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Cory Wagoner, President, Higher Yields Consulting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

« All News

R2W Mascots Shine at Colorado Kennel Club Show! 🐾🇺🇸

/1 Comment/in , /by

R2W’s own mascots, Yin and Yang—better known as Bilbo and Olive—made an impressive showing at the Colorado Kennel Club Dog Show, held February 13–15, 2026, at the National Western Events Center in Denver.

Now officially “adults” at 12 months, this brother‑sister team stepped into the ring with confidence and delivered outstanding results:

  • Olive (Yang) swept Best in Breed all three days
  • Bilbo (Yin) earned Best Opposite each day
  • Olive went on to compete head‑to‑head with all breeds for the top ribbons

These wins weren’t just personal victories—they were proudly dedicated to our Guard and Reserve families, and to the STEM interns who help drive millions of dollars in donated technologies to bridge the civilian–military divide. 🎖️💻

R2W Founder Rob Brazell shared:\ “This is the largest show Yin and Yang have competed in. Grooming bays stretched endlessly—you should’ve seen the parade of perfectly primped competitors. Thanks to Diedre, our new master Groomer and Handler from The Wag Shop, our pups have never looked or performed better. Her story is inspiring—stay tuned for what’s next.”

 

Annell Henderson, Olive’s owner, shares grooming tips with Diedre Hered, Owner of The Wag Shop.