Institute for Defense & Business Receives ESGR Patriot Award

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., July 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mark C. Cramer, President of the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) was presented the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award in Chapel Hill, NC.  The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes private sector employers who are especially supportive and understanding of their employee's service in the National Guard.  IDB employee and North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) member, Staff Sergeant Jason M. Barber, nominated Cramer for this award.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100705/DC30571 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100705/DC30571 )

In Barber's nomination of Cramer, the Sergeant wrote: "Right from my initial employment IDB was aware of my status as a Guardsman in the North Carolina Army National Guard (NCNG) and our impending second deployment to Iraq.  Mr. Cramer and the IDB team not only made allowances for me as our training commitments increased, they made sure that I was never uncomfortable with taking a little extra time to attend additional training."

In addition to providing personal support, he also noted the IDB provided direct support for his unit, the NCNG's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) on a pro bono basis.  IDB developed and delivered a day of predeployment economics and governance briefings at Ft. Bragg, NC for brigade leadership just days before the 30th's April 2009 deployment to Baghdad, Iraq.   This effort was spearheaded by the IDB's Center for Stabilization and Economic Reconstruction (CSER).  

SSgt Barber also presented to the IDB in appreciation of their support of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) during Operation Iraqi Freedom a framed shadow box of the Brigade's Colors which held his own personal medals:  the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM).  These medals are awarded to members of the military for their service in defense of the nation at home (the GWOTSM) and in Iraq (the ICM).  Barber added: "I thought it was a fitting tribute considering the support IDB gave to me, my family, and the unit before our deployment and how that prepared us for our time in Iraq." 

Earlier in the month, IDB's Board of Directors signed a "Resolution of Appreciation" to Jason Barber stating: "…their sincerest gratitude for Staff Sergeant Barber's service as a true 'Citizen Soldier' deploying numerous times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as for his dedication and commitment to helping U.S. military, civilian government, and private sector actors achieve success in bringing stability and peace to Iraq and Afghanistan."

The Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) is a non-profit research and education institute formed in 1997 by UNC-Chapel Hill and the state of North Carolina. The IDB offers a series of educational programs for the military, government, non-governmental agencies, and private industry, in the areas of logistics, operations, life cycle management, organizational change, and economic stabilization.

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is the principal advocate within DoD developing and promoting a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.  They advocate relevant initiatives, recognize outstanding support, increase awareness of applicable laws, and resolve conflict between employers and service members.  For more information go to www.esgr.org

SOURCE Institute for Defense & Business