The Patriot Award reflects efforts to support citizen soldiers in a variety of ways, including flexible hours, pre-deployment and post-deployment leave, caring for families, and providing time off when needed.

The 55 CES has employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve Forces in at least four states – Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Poulicek received his award “for his contributions to national security and the protection of liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve Force.”

National Guard or Reserve members or their spouses nominate individual supervisors and patrons for the award for support provided directly to the nominating service member and their family. Although the award is not intended for the entire organization or staff, applicants may nominate as many supervisors as they wish. Each winner receives a certificate and a lapel pin.

According to its website, the ESGR is a DoD program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers. They also help resolve conflicts that arise from an employee’s military enlistment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,000 volunteers in 54 committees located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

ESGR volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, including small business and industry, government, education, and prior military service. They work with ESGR headquarters staff and state committee support staff to promote and improve employer support for military service in the National Guard and Reserve.