Photo Gallery |
| Click here to see 2010 Armed Forces Bowl | December 30, 2010 The Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted employers at the 2010 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl held at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium. This year’s matchup was the U.S. Military Academy (Army) versus Southern Methodist University (SMU). Prior to the game, attendees had the opportunity to see military hardware and enjoy interactive displays. Texas ESGR volunteers manned an exhibit booth in the Armed Forces Adventure Area and answered questions while distributing materials. In the end, Army prevailed with a score of 16 to 14, with 36,742 in attendance. Recruits from every branch of service were inducted into military service by General Craig McKinley. A postgame concert was given by Gary Sinise and The Lieutenant Dan Band. |
Click to see the West Texas Bosslift to Cannon AFB, NM | September 8 & 15, 2010 In September, over 50 employers from Lubbock and Amarillo were transported by commercial motor coach to Cannon AFB, New Mexico as part of the Western Region Bosslift . Employers had the opportunity to observe active duty and reserve members of the US Air Force 27th Special Operations Wing conduct training and support operations. Employers gained a better understanding and appreciation of the proficiency and capabilities of our Air Force service members and how the reserve forces are integrated into the total force. Employers were given tours of the Aircraft Squadron, Airman Leadership School, and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. |
Texas ESGR Recognizes Harris County Sheriff  (Staff photo) | February 23, 2010 Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia was presented two awards by the Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Sheriff Garcia was given a Patriot Award and an Above and Beyond Award for his continued support of his employee while away performing his military duties. Pictured left to right: Cecil Macklin (Area 2 Chair), Jerry Icenhower (Texas ESGR Committee Chair), Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and William Strong (Nominator). |
Brownsville Chamber Signs Statement of Support  (Staff photo) | February 18, 2010 The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce held an ESGR Statement of Support Signing Ceremony as part of their monthly Board Meeting. The Board was enthusiastic in supporting the deployed members of the Guard and Reserve from the Brownsville Area. Holding the Statement of Support is Angela Burton, The CEO of the Harlingen Chamber and Command Sergeant Major Vela of the Army Reserve. Also in the photo are Caryl Hill (left front row), Texas ESGR Southern Region Employer Outreach Coordinator and Gary Walston (second row right), Texas ESGR Southern Region Director. |
FAA Fort Worth Recognized 
(Staff photo) | January 27, 2010 Ms. Margaret Rendon, FAA Manager Fort Worth, was presented with a Patriot Award by Phil T. Vaughn, Area 9 Volunteer. Major David A. Williams with the Air National Guard nominated Ms. Rendon for her continued support of his duties with the military. |
Continental Airlines Recognized 
(Staff photo) | December 11, 2009 The Texas ESGR Committee presented an Above and Beyond Award to Methods and Standards Department of Continental Airlines. Mr. Don Blomquist, Manager of Methods and Standards Department, holds the award presented by Dylan Raymond, Texas ESGR Committee Area 2 Ombudsman and Volunteer. Major John Weidemeyer nominated the department for their continued support while performing his military duties. |
South Texas School District Honored With Seven Seals Award 
(Staff Photo) | December 4, 2009 Pat Campos, President of the United Independent School District (UISD) Board accepted the Seven Seals Award from the Texas ESGR Committee during the dedication of Laredo’s United High School AFJROTC classroom in memory of a fallen hero and alumni USAR Sgt. Robert Arizola, Jr. Pictured left to right are: Pat Campos (School Board President); William B. Johnson (District 5 School Board Member); Judd Gillpin (District 7 School Board Member); and Adolfo "Popo" Gonzalez (TXESGR Area 13 Chairperson and former UHS faculty member). The Seven Seals Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals or organizations that provide significant achievement, initiative or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission. United ISD was nominated for being highly supportive of the ESGR mission and their support of the National Guard and Reserve. UISD provides differential pay and has dedicated a JROTC building or classroom to two local fallen heroes. United South High School dedicated its U.S. Marines JROTC building three years ago to a former USHS student Cpl Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez. UISD was recognized last year as a recipient of the Pro Patria award in Texas.
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Texas Committee Conducts State Bosslift to Ft Bliss, Texas 
(Photo by SMSgt Elizabeth Gilbert, 136th Airlift Wing PAO) | November 18-20, 2009 Employers are briefed on the upcoming training that their employees are to undergo to include: dismounting from a helicopter, securing an area around them, and conducting Combat Life Saver training. The Texas Committee for ESGR, in cooperation with the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, conducted an employer bosslift on to visit the brigade’s soldiers training at Ft Bliss, Texas. Employers from Austin, Beaumont, College Station, Dallas, Ft Worth, Huntsville, Houston, San Antonio and south Texas visited their soldier/employee at Ft Bliss during the final stages of pre-deployment training. The bosslift included a C-130 (Hercules) from the 136th Airlift Wing, TXANG, NAS JRB Ft Worth; a C-5A (Galaxy) from the 433rd Airlift Wing, USAFR, Lackland AFB; and a CH-47 (Chinook helicopter) from the Directorate of Army Aviation, TXARNG, Grand Prairie to transport employers to Ft Bliss.
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BNSF Railway Supervisor presented with Patriot Award  (Staff Photo) | November 9, 2009 Mr. Justin Smith, BNSF Railway Telecomm Maintenance Manager from Springfield, MO is presented with a Patriot Award for his uspport of Sgt Kernon Mingo, ARNG. Pictured left to right are: Dwain James, Executive Director for Texas Committee ESGR; Mr. Matt Rose, BNSF Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Justin Smith; Mr. Carl Ice, BNSF Railway Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer; and Sgt Mingo. |
State District Judge Receives Patriot Award 
(Staff Photo) | October 15, 2009 49th District Court Judge Joe Lopez is presented with a Patriotic Award by Mr. Gabriel Lopez, South Texas Regional Lead for the Texas Veterans Leadership Program. Judge Lopez was honored for his support of Carlos Davila, a member of the Naval Reserve and a baliff for the Webb County 49th District Court. Both ESGR Area 13 Chairperson, Adolfo "Popo" Gonzalez and the newest volunteer member, Gabriel Lopez spoke about the ESGR Award to other Webb County Employees and the news media present. |
2009 FREEDOM AWARD WINNER 
(Staff Photo) | September 17, 2009 FMC Technologies from Houston, Texas was one of fifteen recipients of the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Recently, FMC Technologies representatives attended a luncheon and award ceremony in Washington, D.C. where they were recognized as one of only fifteen recipients in the U.S.
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ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED 
(Staff Photo) | September 17, 2009 Abilene Chief of Police Stan Standridge was presented with the Above and Beyond Award by Don Bunnell, Texas ESGR Area 6 Chair. Chief Standridge was recognized for being a great supporter of National Guard and Reserve service members. The Abilene Police Department has had up to 10 employees in the Guard or Reserve at some time. |
SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER IS RECOGNIZED 
(Staff photo) | September 17, 2009 Leslie Wickersham of TD Ameritrade was presented a Patriot Award by Brian Dumble, ESGR Volunteer. Captain Dusty Sargeant, center, recommended Ms Wickersham for her support during his recent deployment to Iraq. |
FREEDOM SALUTE   (staff photo) | September 12-13, 2009 2nd Bn 149th Aviation Regiment recently returned from a deployment to Iraq. Members gathered at a Memorial Service to celebrate, honor, and remember their fallen. A Memorial Park was dedicated as a reminder of the fallen heroes and their families. |
BELL HELICOPTER RECOGNIZED 
(Staff Photo) | August 6, 2009 Charles Buchanan, a supervisor in the H-1 Upgrade Program at Bell Helicopter, is presented the Patriot Award by Leon Tribble, ESGR Volunteer. The award recognizes Mr. Buchanan and Bell Helicopter for employment policies and practices that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. Pictured left to right: Robert "Too Tall" Kenney (VP Operations); Mr. Buchanan; Mr. Tribble; and Sgt Pasqual Vargas (TXARNG, 2-149 GSAB in Grand Prairie. |
Freese & Nichols, Inc. sign SOS 
(Staff Photo) | August 5, 2009 After being presented a Patriot Award, Mr. Robert F. Pence President/CEO of Freese & Nichols, Inc., a large regional civil engineering firm, signed a Statement of Support. The company currently employs five Guard and Reserve members. Pictured left to right: Major Bill Marks (USAFR); Mr. Jim Nichols; Mr. Robert F. Pence (President/CEO); COL (Ret) Larry N. Patterson, (Texas Committee Ombudsman); and Major Jeff Payne (USAFR). |
Bastrop County Commissioners Court signs Statement of Support 
(Staff Photo) | July 27, 2009 Pictured left to right are: County Judge Ronnie McDonald; Commissioner Clara Beckett; Commissioner Lee Dildy; Commissioner William M. Pina (LTC ret, TXARNG); and Texas ESGR Committee Executive Director Dwain James. On behalf of the Bastrop County, County Judge Ronnie McDonald (left) and the Commissioners Court signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) at their Court session. "Bastrop County has a proud and patriotic heritage of citizens serving our state and nation since the Texas Revolution. A number of the county’s employees are veterans or currently serving in the Guard and Reserve and we have the upmost respect for these brave men and women who currently serve or have served our country,” said Judge McDonald. “Signing this statement on behalf of the county during the month in which our nation celebrates its independence is a fitting way for the Commissioners Court to publically demonstrate our support for members of the military that have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and our nation’s freedom.” |
Employers Visit Marines at Fort Hood  (Staff Photo) | June 13, 2009 The 14th Marine Regiment invited employers from the Fort Worth and Austin area to observe a “Live Fire” Exercise at Ft Hood, TX. Employers were able to observe the “Live Fire’ Exercise & visit with some of the Marines, of which some are employed by the local companies. The 14th Marine Regiment Headquarters is located on NAS JRB Fort Worth and is commanded by Colonel John Koenig. |
Employers Spend Day at Texas Motor Speedway with Delphi RaceTeam 
(Staff Photo) | June 4, 2009 Several north Texas employers spent the day with the Delphi Race Team and Texas ESGR Committee at the Texas Motor Speedway. They had a thrilling experience “driving the track”, visiting with the Pit Crew and getting a “backstage” view of what goes on during a major race. Pictured left to right are; David Davis, Texas ESGR Ombudsman; Marty Harrelson, Goodyear Industrial Products Division; Alan Werner, Cherith Valley Gardens; Ron Bolen, Sports Coverage Inc.; Laura Brooks, Majestic Fine Wines and Spirits; Molly McFadden, North Central Texas Council of Governments; and, Kermit Gable, Area 10 Chair. |
Lakeway Police Chief Given Patriot Award 
(Staff Photo) | June 4, 2009 Gordon Bowers, Chief of the City of Lakeway Police Department and a member of the Rotary Club, was presented a Patriot Award during the Lakeway Rotary Club meeting by Police Corporal Michael Pribble, who explained his reasons for nominating Chief Bowers for the award: “Three years ago I returned from my first deployment to Iraq and met Chief Bowers for the first time. Since then he and my Lieutenants have made every effort to give me the time off when needed from drill or any other military activity having never refused a day’s off request. They have always found a way for me to attend my duties.” Mr. Pribble belongs to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty-Two (NMCB-22) and will soon deploy. Pictured L to R: Chief Bowers; Buzz Buzzard, Lakeway Rotary Club President; Corporal Michael Pribble, USNR; and Ed Carrette, Jr., Texas ESGR Ombudsman. |
TEXO signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve 
(Staff photo) | On behalf of the members of TEXO, The Construction Association, and its board of directors, Raleigh Roussell, president and chief executive officer for TEXO, signed a Statement of Support in Dallas. The ceremony was held in conjunction with TEXO’s board of directors meeting. In photo left to right: Mr. Larry Taylor, J.D., Senior Field Representative for Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, Thirteenth District; Dr. Jerry Icenhower, Texas ESGR Chairman; Mr. Raleigh Rousell, President and CEO, TEXO; and Mr. Tom Pauken, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission. Mr. Rousell received an engraved Statement of Support from Chairman Icenhower in recognition of the support provided by TEXO, The Construction Association. |
Frito Lay Recognized 
(Photo taken by Dave Self) | May 15, 2009 Andrew Wyatt, (right), the Maintenance Supervisor for Frito Lay’s San Antonio plant was recognized for his superb and caring support of his Guard and Reserve employees. Mr. Wyatt was presented the Patriot Award by Gary Walston, the Texas ESGR Central Region Director (center). Also pictured is Wendy Agee, (left), Manufacturing Manager of Frito Lay’s San Antonio Operation. MSgt Albert Martinez (USAFR) nominated Mr. Wyatt. |
Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas signs Statement of Support 
(Staff photo) | Chairman Icenhower and Reverend G.V. Clark, President of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas holding Statement of Support signed by Reverend Clark in Bryan, Texas during a meeting of the Convention’s Board of Directors on behalf of their 2,000 member churches in Texas. Reverend Clark commented that well over 300 members of the Convention’s churches are serving in the Guard and Reserve and their home congregations routinely provide deployed members with care packages of various items, including CDs of church services and local activities to remind them of their importance to the congregation. |
State Bosslift to Nellis AFB, NV 
(Staff photo) | April 21-23, 2009
The Texas ESGR Field Committee along with the 136th Airlift Wing took 35 employers from the Houston, Dallas, & Fort Worth areas on a tour to Nellis AFB, Nevada on a C-130. While in Nevada, employers had the opportunity to visit the Predator Hanger, F-22 Raptor, 53rd Tactical Environment Center, USAR Thunderbird Facility and the Security Dog Training Facility. |
| Presentation of ESGR Banner to MG Eldon P. Regua, Commander, 75th (BCTD) 
(Staff photo) | April 2009 Soldiers of the 75th Battle Command Training Division join MG Eldon Regua Commander 75th(BCTD) and the Senior Command of the Armed Forces Reserve Center Ellington Field as he is presented with an ESGR Flag from Bill Cyrus (Eastern Regional Director). Jim Stoa (Employer & Military Outreach) and CW2 Dylan Raymond (Ombudsman Area 2) who is a member of the 75th BCTD. USARC OPORD 08-158 directs all USAR facilities to display the ESGR flag as an outward demonstration of the Army Reserve’s partnership with State ESGR Committees. |
10th Air Force Civic Leader Tour  
(Staff photo) | April 14-15, 2009
The 10th Air Force along with the Texas ESGR Field Committee took over 20 Civic Leaders to Peterson AFB, Colorado on board a KC-10. Civic Leaders saw the in-flight refueling performed using Barksdale AFB's 917th Fighter Wing's B-52 and A-10, along with the 301st's F-16.While in Colorado, Civic Leaders visited Schriever AFB, Northcom/NORAD, and the Air Force Academy. |
American Achievement Corporation Honored with Above & Beyond and Patriot Awards  (Staff photo) | April 10, 2009 A special awards and Statement of Support signing event was held at the American Achievement Corporation in Austin. Operations Manager David Collier, received a Patriot Award and company president Don Percenti accepted the Above and Beyond Award after signing the Statement of Support. SFC Roy Villegas of the 136th Regional Training Institute and a 25 year employee with the company, nominated Collier and the company for the outstanding support provided to him and his family while deployed and on several extended periods of active duty. Pictured left to right: Texas ESGR Executive Director Dwain James, Roy Villegas of the Texas Army National Guard, Company President Don Percenti and Operations Manager David Collier. |