Photo By Master Sgt. Joe Davis | US Representatives Rob Bishop & John Curtis each receive an award which honors...... read more read more
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SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Representatives John Curtis and Rob Bishop were presented Patriot Awards at an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) ceremony, August 27, 2019 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, in recognition of extraordinary support of Technical Sergeant Josh Emfield, deputy director for Representative Curtis and a member of the Utah Air National Guard, and Sergeant Devon Murphy, military legislative assistant for Representative Bishop and a member of the Utah Army National Guard.
At the ceremony, The Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Colonel Daniel Boyack, The Assistant Adjutant General for Army, Brigadier General Tyler Smith, and Command Chief Master Sergeant Brian Garrett welcomed the distinguished guests, as well as Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, and Representatives John Curtis, Ben McAdams and Rob Bishop who were also in attendance.
The Adjutant General, Utah National Guard, Major General Jefferson Burton, spoke at the event where he highlighted the importance of the Utah National Guard’s partnership with the Utah Delegation, and his appreciation for what they have done for the Airmen and Soldiers who serve amongst the ranks.
"We have been blessed as a state to have many employers go above and beyond to support our Soldiers and Airmen,” said Burton. “We are glad to see this same support coming from our Congressional Delegation."
“They bring the mission focus that they get here from being a part of the Utah National Guard to their civilian capacity and it allows them to be better leaders, because they have a keener understanding of what their role is as part the larger mission,” he added. “I think this is a vital part of what makes the total force so important in the United States Army and Air Force.”
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
Congressional offices have few employees, ranging from 10-15 staff members. Absence of any staffer leaves a void, but both Emfield and Murphy described the overwhelming support they received when called onto orders.
"I have worked under an employer in the past that did not support my efforts in the Utah National Guard, making it difficult to continue my service, but under Congressman Curtis I have never felt guilty for serving my country, but on the contrary, I feel encouraged to fulfill my role in the military,” said Emfield. Although Murphy was unable to be present at the ceremony he provided the following statement “Congressman Bishop’s support of my military endeavors has been invaluable in allowing me to fulfill my role as a non-commissioned officer in the Utah Guard. Without a moment’s hesitation, my office has encouraged attendance of training and military schools despite my absence in the Washington D.C. office.”
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the Department of Defense. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
Following the ceremony, the congressional delegation attended a capabilities brief and refueling flight observation. During the flight, Senators Romney and Lee, and Representatives McAdams and Bishop, observed the refueling of F-35 aircraft and were briefed on additional roles and missions the National Guard fulfills.
Story by Tech. Sgt. Josh Emfield
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2019 18:35 |
| Story ID: | 338598 |
| Location: | SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US |
| Web Views: | 119 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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