Lenny Ball, CEO for Paragon Casket, Inc., was recently presented with the Department of Defense Patriot Award by Barney Hayes of the Indiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award recognizes employees who enable members of the National Guard and Reserve to serve their country by providing flexible work schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, support for families, and leaves of absence when needed.
Established in 1972, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) promotes cooperation between National Guard and Reserve members and their employers. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. Ball was nominated by Jessica Lane, a production team member for Paragon Casket and six-year member of the Indiana Army National Guard.
“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Steve Lynch, Indiana ESGR state chair. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.” Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is supported by a network of more than 4,500 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states.