Bill Noll, on behalf of Exelon Nuclear in Pennsylvania, receives a Navy Employer Support Certificate of Appreciation from Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Robin Braun during a ceremony, June 20. The certificate is presented by the Chief of Navy Reserve annually to recognize selected civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors, as nominated by their own citizen-Sailor employees. Selected employers were nominated by their Navy Reserve Sailor employees and invited to attend the one day event that included tours of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), a static display of aircraft and a demonstration by SEAL Team 18. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hannah Brim/Released)
NORFOLK – The Chief of Navy Reserve honored 39 civilian employers including Exelon Nuclear of Pennsylvania for their support of Navy Reserve Sailors during a special ceremony, June 20.
“Employer support is critical to the Navy Reserve mission. Since 9/11, more than 70,000 Reserve Sailors have been mobilized and served around the world – many for multiple tours. In fact, in any given month nearly 25% of our Navy Reserve force is deployed globally. The magnitude of support for the employee by the employer is truly remarkable,” said Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve. “This is our opportunity to thank these outstanding patriots for their support.”
At the beginning of the day, the Chief of Navy Reserve met with representatives from each employer and presented them with a Certificate of Appreciation for their dedication and support of employees who serve in the Navy Reserve, ensuring that their Sailors are “Always Ready. Anytime, Anywhere.”
Throughout the one day event employers had the opportunity to get a close up and personal look at the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, a fast-attack submarine at Submarine Force Atlantic, the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) at Naval Station Norfolk, a static display of aircraft from Naval Air Force Reserve, and witness a demonstration by Reserve SEAL Team 18.
Companies invited to this year’s event were nominated by their employees who are also Navy Reserve Sailors. Guests included CEOs, company owners and senior executives from small, medium and large companies who exhibit the following attributes:
. Values their Reserve Sailor/employee and is highly supportive of their service, even when called to duty on short notice.
. Encourages company leadership to promote a culture of pride and recognition in their employees’ service.
. Maintains contact with the Reserve Sailor and their family members when they are on duty for an extended period of time.
“Employers are a key facet of every Reserve Sailor’s life. The service each Sailor provides to the fleet is achieved in no small part due to employer support,” said Braun. “Employer support of our Reserve and Guard forces not only means peace and freedom abroad – it means peace and freedom here at home. It can never be taken for granted. They are critical not just to our readiness, but also to our recruiting, retention and esprit de corps.”
The Navy Employer Recognition Event is an annual Navy familiarization day sponsored by the Chief of Navy Reserve to recognize employers who provide their Reserve Sailors with superior support, and provide them an opportunity to see first-hand what Reserve Sailors do every day. Selected employers are chosen from nominations submitted by their Reserve Sailor employees.
