FedEx receives award for support of 477th FG

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • 477th Fighter Group
ANCHORAGE, Alaska --  FedEx Chief Pilot Bryan Bailey and Robert Maxell FedEx operations manager were each presented with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards at a ceremony at the FedEx headquarters in Anchorage June 8.

Brad Miller, Employment Support Specialist, presented Bailey with the Patriot Award for his role as supportive supervisor to his employees that also serve in the Guard and Reserve, many of which are assigned to the 477th Fighter Group.

Maxell was presented with ESGR's Above and Beyond award by Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th Fighter Group commander for the company-wide support of FedEx employees who also serve in the Guard and Reserve.  

"After more than 10 years of constant combat operations, the support demonstrated by employers and supervisors such as FedEx and Mr. Bailey are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of our Reserve unit," said Radliff. "It is essential our Citizen Airmen and their families are able to continue to serve our Nation with confidence that their civilian employers are not only supportive, but in this case go above and beyond their commitment in helping retain America's investment in those who serve in the Reserve components."

During the ceremony Bailey also signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve that joins other employers in pledging to recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act and recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.