Thomas H. Bowen Receives Department of Defense Awards for Exemplarily Service to the National Guard and Reserve

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense Agency, presented the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award during the annual ESGR National Leadership Training Conference in Washington, D.C. to Thomas H. Bowen, Jr., a resident of Jackson, Mississippi.

Mr. Bowen, a volunteer of the Mississippi ESGR Committee, received the award in recognition of his outstanding public service as both a volunteer and ESGR State Chairman. Mr. Bowen served as the Mississippi State Chairman from October 2000 to September 2005 and was also recognized by the Secretary of Defense with the Outstanding Public Service Medal.

“This recognition reflects deep gratitude and appreciation for the years of dedicated service that you have so willingly and selflessly given to the nation and to the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve who serve to protect it,” said Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director for the National Committee ESGR, during the Roche Award presentation.

The Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Medal citation also commended Mr. Bowen’s dedicated, energetic and inspirational leadership that increased community awareness of employer support that is critical to the national defense.

The James Roche “Spirit of Volunteerism” Award is the highest award given to individual ESGR Committee volunteers for sustained high-quality volunteer service or for exceptional mission accomplishment. Individuals are nominated based on long and distinguished service of exceptional significance to their ESGR Committee, or for special contributions with national impact.

The award highlights patriotism, good citizenship and public responsibility, often achieved at personal sacrifice and with heroic effort. A maximum of five of these awards can be given each year, usually at the annual National Leadership Training Conference. Bowen and a New Jersey ESGR volunteer are the first two individuals to receive the award since 2002. Awardees receive a medal, certificate and a letter of appreciation signed by the National Chairman of ESGR.

The award is named in honor of James M. Roche, appointed in 1972 by President Richard Nixon as the first ESGR National Chair. Roche organized and spearheaded ESGR when employer support for the nation’s community-based defense force was first recognized as fundamental to the Total Force Policy. Under Roche’s leadership, patriotic volunteers across the nation were organized to establish programs and services that help build partnerships between Reserve component members, their civilian employers and military leaders.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the National Committee Office at (800) 336-4590.