Photo By Milt Spalding | Three Kentucky employers were honored for their outstanding support of Guardsmen in...... read more read more
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honored three employers with the Pro Patria Award in recognition of their support for Kentucky Guardsmen during a presentation on Sept. 10, 2025.
Norton Healthcare of Louisville, Housman, Garatt, Duncan and Mann PLLC of Paducah, and the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) of Manchester were each selected for the award—the highest honor given by a state ESGR—for their outstanding support of Guardsmen.
According to ESGR, award recipients are selected based on their support for Guard and Reserve employees through leadership practices and policies that make it easier for employees to serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Pro Patria Award has three categories: large business, small business, and public sector employer.
Norton Healthcare received the award in the large business category; Housman, Garatt, Duncan and Mann PLLC in the small business category; and FCI Manchester in the public sector employer category.
“When you hire a veteran, we know the work ethic, loyalty, and servant leadership we’re getting,” said Russell Cox, president and chief executive officer of Norton Healthcare. “I view it as a way to make our organization better.”
Nominators can come from any of the reserve components, but this year, all recipients were nominated by Kentucky Army National Guardsmen.
Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Kentucky’s adjutant general, delivered keynote remarks for the ceremony, emphasizing the community-based nature of the National Guard and the importance of employer support in allowing Guardsmen to focus on the mission when they’re away.
“Your support as employers is critical to the success of our Guardsmen,” said Lamberton. “Our service members serve part-time and rely on their employers to keep their jobs secure and their families supported while they’re away. Your support is not only appreciated but also essential to our ability to operate effectively.”
Guard Soldiers and Airmen bring a unique combination of civilian expertise and military experience, making them a stronger, more agile, and relevant force in a rapidly changing environment. Strong relationships between Guardsmen and their employers enhance the Guard’s readiness and ability to adapt to evolving federal and state missions.
ESGR is a division of the Department of War, with a committee in each state. Its mission is to develop and promote supportive work environments for service members and employers through education, outreach, and recognition.
“You’re a critical part of our nation’s defense,” said retired Brig. Gen. Mike Richie, chair of the Kentucky ESGR Committee. “When these folks serve in uniform, the fact that they know their job is safe and that someone is looking after them and their families while they’re gone gives them the ability to focus on the mission while deployed. Thank you for being a critical part of our nation’s defense, and for all you do.”
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 14:45 |
| Story ID: | 548980 |
| Location: | KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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