Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the Patriot Award to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for its support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
James Astor, Pennsylvania ESGR South-Central Area chairman, presented the award to Beth Fortna, director of the PLCB Bureau of Planning and Procurement, and Andrew Wilkes, Product Procurement division chief.
“It’s an honor to recognize and pay tribute to employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces,” Astor said. “It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.”
ESGR, a U.S. Department of War office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the Guard and Reserve. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, and resolving potential conflicts between employers and their employees who serve.
Fortna and Wilkes were nominated for the award by Staff Sgt. Kaylob Dauberman, a PLCB inventory supply analyst and a member of the 131st Transportation Company, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. In his civilian role with the PLCB, Dauberman supports the procurement of wine and spirits products for Pennsylvania consumers and the logistical supply planning for transportation and delivery of those products across the state.
In his nomination, Dauberman wrote that his PLCB supervisors “have provided me exceptional support throughout my National Guard service and upcoming deployment. Their leadership has been defined by respect, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to supporting service members. Rather than focusing on operational challenges, they focused on solutions and on supporting me as both an employee and a service member. Their attitude set the tone for others and reinforced that my Guard service is valued and respected within our organization.
Dauberman also wrote, “Their reassurance that my role, and future opportunities, remain secure has provided me with tremendous peace of mind during a significant life event. Their support helps provide stability for my family and demonstrates a true understanding of the sacrifice military families make. Their leadership exemplifies the spirit of employer support for the Guard and Reserve.”
The PLCB joins Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies, and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.
