News

UUSA Recognized for Exemplary Support of their National Guard and Reserve Employees

07 February 2022

UUSA is a proud supporter of the United States Armed Forces. Recently, UUSA employee and current member of the National Guard, Lieutenant Krystal Ramirez, nominated UUSA for two awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense Program. Due to this nomination, UUSA proudly received the Above and Beyond award from ESGR.

The award, presented by the ESGR State Committee, recognized UUSA for going above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The Above and Beyond award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one manager or supervisor recognized with a Patriot Award. UUSA has had three managers and supervisors recognized with a Patriot Award: Mark Bogenrieder, Scott Diggs, and Chris Schwarz.

In addition to receiving the Above and Beyond Award, UUSA also received the Pro Patria award: the highest-level honor bestowed by the New Mexico ESGR State Committee. The Pro Patria award recognizes employers that demonstrate steadfast and exemplary support to National Guard and Reserve employees. The Pro Patria award is presented annually to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in the state. 

UUSA’s President and CEO, Karen Fili, stated: “UUSA is honored to receive these awards. We fully support the military and the large number of veterans on our site and employees like Lieutenant Ramirez who are in the active Reserve.”

UUSA was also proud to support Lieutenant Ramirez's troop over the holiday season by providing blankets and locally-sourced New Mexico treats like Pinon Coffee, green chili beef jerky, and green chili pistachios to each of the 124 soldiers.

Pictured: Karen Fili receives the Above and Beyond Award and the Pro Patria Award on behalf of UUSA.