On August 9, 2013 Colleen McAllister, Director of Correctional Alternatives Community Corrections program in Memphis (CAI), accepted the “Patriotic Employer” award given by The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  This award is given to employers who have staff serving in the Guard and Reserves and have been nominated by these employees for their support and cooperation with military duties.  The Certificate states that it is given to employers for “contributing to National security and protecting Liberty and Freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force”.  Case Officer Ronald Lee submitted nominations for this.  Mr. Lee serves as  PV2 Military Police with the 130^th MP Company of the Army National Guard.  

Ms. McAllister stated that she gratefully accepted this award on behalf of all CAI employees, as they diligently perform extra work duties while their co-workers are serving Active Duty. 

The ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve and Guard members and their civilian employers.  “Receiving this award of recognition truly humbles me.  Our agency supports our employees and all who serve in the military for their diligent efforts and struggles to protect National Security and Freedom.  We understand that this is a tremendous strain not only on the Guard and Reserve members, but also their families and loved ones.  We are dedicated to our support of these employees for their truly honorable contribution to our individual lives, as well as the nation.”

Ms. McAllister also signed a “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” pledging that “we fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve; and we will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.’