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

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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

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 Cat. Caleb Schaaf – UTANG

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

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

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

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

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.

Follow Colorado ESGR on Facebook for the latest updates.

Check back for photos and details about the nominating Guard and Reserve members and their supervisors/managers.

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

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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.

 

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ESGR Patriot Award – Northglenn Police Department (NPD)

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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 [] and [] 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.

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Scottish Terriers Bring Home Wins for Guard and Reserve Families

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Project: Return to Work has a long tradition of meaningful connection with Colorado’s military community — and a recent dog show brought that tradition to life in a big way.

Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive) are siblings with a compelling competitive story. When Olive competed alone, she struggled to place. But when she entered the ring alongside her brother Bilbo, no one could beat her.

Behind the scenes, groomer and handler Diedre of The Wag Shop prepares and handles Bilbo at competitions. Her story of overcoming severe disabilities makes her dedication to this work all the more inspiring.

The dogs are co-owned by Annele Henderson and Cheyscott Kennels. Annele also shows Olive, serves as President of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver (STCGD), and is a member of R2W’s Board of Directors

This photo says it all. It was taken at an Army Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event in Vail, Colorado, where R2W Founder Rob Brazell was serving in his Military Outreach role with ESGR, briefing soldiers returning from active duty. Yang — Stryder — became an instant morale booster that day, playing with a soldier’s young son and grandfather. The moment gave everyone present a lift, including the service providers supporting troops and their families as they transitioned back to civilian life.

Bilbo is now in training to serve at future ESGR events, continuing this tradition.

Please consider donating to help support Diedre and others at R2W on the front lines — helping injured heroes back to work and back to life.

Yin (Bilbo)

Diedre and Bilbo

Yang (Olive)

Annele Henderson and Olive

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Honoring Community Leaders Who Support Those Who Serve

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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.

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

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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.

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Calling CU Students & Military Families: Volunteer with Project: Return to Work

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Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back while building real professional skills? Project: Return to Work (R2W) is looking for volunteers to help veterans and military families navigate their return to the workforce.

R2W volunteers play a hands-on role — reviewing resumes, connecting with job seekers through our call bank, and joining employer panels at events. It’s flexible, rewarding, and a great addition to any resume.

We’re especially looking for college students and members of the military community who can commit a few hours a week. No prior experience required — just a willingness to show up and make a difference.

Interested? Apply at https://return2work.org/volunteer/ or reach out to us directly.

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Integrity Is Rare. Hold the Line.

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Out here, in a world where promises crumble faster than mud-brick walls under mortar fire, you learn to recognize the real deal. And if there’s one thing that stands out as unmistakably genuine, it’s the kind of sacrifice that isn’t broadcasted—only lived like an embedded reporter.

For decades, I’ve watched people claim service; few have actually given it. But some like R2W’s Founder have logged the kind of hours that don’t show up on any report—over 200,000 volunteered, the sort of commitment that would break lesser spirits. His mother matched that spirit stride for stride until the day she passed, both of them pouring their own time, money, and strength into a charity they refused to let die on the vine.

And now, even in her absence, her legacy continues. Her estate—every bit of it—is being handed over to the family foundation, fueling the mission they built together: Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W). It’s not just philanthropy; it’s a long-term supply line for the wounded and the weary, a beacon for future legacy donors who understand that some missions matter long after the shooting stops.

But good work draws fire. In every theater—combat or civilian—there are opportunists, scavengers who would steal hope if they can’t build it themselves. That’s why this mission needs allies. People willing to stand up, dig in, and protect something worth defending.

Because if there’s one thing these decades have taught me, it’s this: integrity is rare. And when you find it, you hold the line.

Be Part of the Mission

R2W House and R2W Village exist to give veterans a real path back — to work, to stability, to community. But they only work because people like you show up.

It takes just 5 minutes to get started:

  • Volunteer — Sign up to support R2W House or R2W Village: https://return2work.org/volunteer/
  • Donate — Help fund the mission and carry the legacy forward: https://return2work.org/donate/

The mission continues. Will you hold the line with us?