The Osage Nation Honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support

On July 26, 2022, Oklahoma Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced that Principal Chief Standing Bear received the ESGR Above and Beyond Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of Osage Nation’s employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

“The ESGR Above and Beyond Award was created to publicly recognize U.S. employers providing extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Raymond Knapp, Oklahoma Committee Chair. “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”

“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Knapp. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

The Osage Nation joins thousands of American employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and in fact provides support far beyond what USERRA requires, including pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits to complement coverage provided by the military when their employees mobilized.

"Osage Nation is proud of our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve," said Osage Nation Principal Chief Standing Bear. "It is an honor to support them through our employment policies." 

ESGR, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/OK.