MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Esta Staples, the Marine and Family Programs director with Marine Corps Community Services, received an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Service Member Patriot Award aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 17, 2014.
Staples received the award after U.S. Army Reserve Col. Kalani Mills nominated her for supporting him and his family.
The ESGR program, a Department of Defense office established in 1972, promotes assistance and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers. The 4,900 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states also assist with the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a guard or reserve member, can nominate individual employers for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family.
Before Staples received her award, Howard Sugai, a representative from ESGR, gave an introduction and spoke about the organization and the sacrifices that service members and employers have to make.
Mills, an embedded clinical social worker with the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, said during his deployments Staples and other coworkers made sacrifices on his behalf by taking over his duties for a total of 8 years, and helping him upon his return.
“After Sept. 11, 2001, many reserve forces turned into operating forces,” Mills said. “During that time, I was sent on multiple training exercises and deployments that kept me away from my job. It’s important to recognize employers and staff that make sacrifices and who are supportive to their reservist employees.”
After Staples received her award, she and Mills spoke to the small gathering, showing their appreciation for each other.
Staples discussed how she was surprised to get the award, but also understood the struggles service members face because of her own experience as a Marine.
“I wasn’t expecting to be acknowledged,” Staples said. “I assumed that employers needed to support reservists. As a former Marine, I understand that reservists are a key part of U.S. military. It’s a team effort. I started out as a reserve officer and I’ve had a lot of reservists work for me over the years, especially during the first Gulf War. While Mills was deployed to Iraq, our team pulled together. It’s an honor that he appreciates my support.”