Batesville, In. — Batesville Casket Company was recently recognized as a 2018 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award nominee for its exemplary support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The Freedom Award is the highest honor given by the Department of Defense, and 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.
Almost half of the U.S. military is made up of National Guard and Reserve members, many of whom also hold jobs with civilian employers. When activated, their deployments affect their families as well as their employers. It can be difficult for both.
“These employers support America and their fellow citizens through employment of our citizen warriors,” said ESGR national Chair Air Force retired Gen. Craig McKinley. “The U.S. military doesn’t function without the Guard and Reserve, and our Guard and Reserve don’t function without these dedicated and motivated employers.”
David Meyers, regional sales director with Batesville, accepted the award on the company’s behalf at the annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) banquet held in Indianapolis last month. Meyers was also nominated for a Patriot Award for his support of Daniel Hill. Hill works as a sales consultant for Batesville, but proudly serves as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army Reserve. His last deployment spanned more than four months.
In his nomination, Hill said, “The level of support my family and I receive from David, as well as the entire Batesville team, is very humbling and allows me to focus on training. It makes me proud to work for a company that supports me and my family’s service to our country.”
Both men were recognized at a recent meeting of Batesville employees. Company president Chris Trainor said, “We are grateful for the sacrifices Danny has made, and proud to have leaders like David Meyers and other employees who stepped in to provide support to his customers and his family.”
Nominations for the Freedom Award must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member. This year’s nominees represent large and small employers from almost every industry, including health, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, banking, service, and security – as well as from state and local governments.
Employers must have surpassed the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional non-mandated benefits, such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits and other similar benefits.
