William J. Hoston Receives Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service

ARLINGTON, Va. – Mr. David A. Janes, National Chairman of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, announced that Mr. William J. Hoston, Chairman and CEO of the Transportation Foundation of Los Angeles, was honored by the Department of Defense on Saturday, March 11, 2006, during the U.S. Marine Battle Color Ceremony at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Mr. Thomas Johnson, California Secretary for Veterans Affairs presented the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Medal to Mr. Hoston for his service as the Chairman of the California ESGR Committee from 2003 to 2006.

“This recognition reflects deep gratitude and appreciation for your years of dedicated service that you have so willingly and selflessly given to the nation, the State of California, and to the men and women of the California National Guard and Reserve who serve to protect it,” said Janes.

Upon his appointment as California ESGR Field Committee Chair, Mr. Hoston diligently undertook the mission of seeking only the most outstanding, qualified community leaders to serve on the Committee. Mr. Hoston is an untiring volunteer who has provided countless hours of dedicated public service to the State of California and the nation. Because of his professionalism, interpersonal skills and dynamic leadership, the California ESGR committee is in the forefront in providing the means for California employers and their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve to be educated on their rights and responsibilities with regard to military service and federal laws.

Under Mr. Hoston’s leadership, six patriotic California employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists were honored by the Secretary of Defense with the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

The medal citation reflects on Mr. Hoston’s service to ESGR and the nation. “During this period, Mr. Hoston led a force of dedicated volunteers who built and sustained employer and community support for the men and women of the Active and Reserve components of the United States Military. His inspired leadership and energy were instrumental in building strong and lasting ties between the civilian and military communities throughout the State of California. He made vital and lasting contributions to the Department of Defense and to the national interests of the United States, enhancing the lives of the men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserve during an unparalleled period of uncertainty and change. Through great sacrifice of his time, and at his personal expense, Mr. Hoston’s dedication to duty increased the public’s awareness and commitment to support the military community on critical issues related to national defense.”

When asked what this honor meant to him, Hoston replied “I see an army at war, but I don’t see a nation at war. I saw an opportunity to give back to my country and the brave citizens of the State of California who serve in the National Guard and Reserve by accepting the nomination as ESGR California Field Committee Chair”.

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.