Grantham University honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employees who serve in the Missouri National Guard and Reserve 

Kansas City, Mo. — ARCHIVES Grantham University, www.grantham.edu, an online university, announced that employee, Paul Alley, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of the employees who serve in the Missouri National Guard and Reserve.  Mr. Alley received his award from the Missouri Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense.

"Grantham University is fortunate to have such qualified people working with us," said Mr. Alley. "The entire organization supports our military."

Grantham University joins thousands of American employers who have reviewed their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). When an employee is required to report for military service, Grantham provides support with a pay differential to offset any loss of wages.

Jon Kready, a University employee and Senior Airman in the United States Air National Guard, commented, "Paul works hard to fill the void when I'm gone for training, which allows me to concentrate on my Guard mission and not worry about my job back home. I am proud to work for a University that cares so deeply about our service members."

According to Retired Brigadier General, Tracy Beckette, ESGR Missouri Chair, "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the Minute Men before them, have answered their nation's call to serve.  Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

About the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve:

The Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. Today, ESGR operates through a network of thousands of volunteers throughout the nation and Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. ESGR 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 http://www.esgr.mil, or by calling 1-800-336-4590.