Thirteen Central Iowa employers were recently recognized by the Iowa Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their support of employees who serve in the Iowa National Guard and Reserve. The VA Central Iowa Health Care System in Des Moines was among three Iowa organizations to receive the Pro Patria Award, the highest state-level award given by ESGR. The awards are presented annually by ESGR, based on nominations from the employees/military members. “It really is wonderful to work for an employer that supports me so much, thus allowing me to continue to serve our great state and country,” said Tyson Overton, a Holmes Murphy employee and Iowa Army National Guard member who nominated his employer for the State Chair Award. ESGR, a program of the U.S. Department of Defense, recognized 38 employers from across the state this year during a virtual recognition event held April 9. The recipients were selected from nearly 150 nominations. “These awards recognize the finest employers in the state — those who make a concentrated effort to stand behind their employees who also serve our state and nation in the National Guard and Reserve,” said Becky Coady, Iowa committee chair of ESGR. A list of Central Iowa organizations recognized can be found here.