BOSTON -- The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) today presented the Pro Patria Award at a State House ceremony recognizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' support of its National Guard and Reserve service members. ESGR is an agency within the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs that works to generate support from public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.

  "The Pro Patria Award is the highest award that a state ESGR committee can bestow on an employer," said Kenneth Forchielli, the state ESGR committee chairman. "Massachusetts' unwavering support for state employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve sets an excellent example for employers across the state."

  Governor Mitt Romney received the Pro Patria Award on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which was recognized as the most outstanding public sector employer of reserve component service members in the state. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts was also nominated by the state ESGR committee for the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

  “I dedicate this award to the men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard, and I very much hope that it will inspire others in our Commonwealth to take further action in support of our men and women in uniform,” said Romney.

  State Representative Anthony Verga and State Senator Stephen Brewer will receive the Seven Seals Certificate at a later date for their work on the Welcome Home Bill, which provided increased benefits to members of the Guard and Reserve in Massachusetts. The award is named for the seven seals that represent each of the seven branches of Guard and Reserve service. It is given to supportive individuals or agencies that do not directly employ National Guard or Reserve members, but have made significant contributions to the welfare of those that serve.

  "The support that Senator Brewer, Representative Verga, Governor Romney and the rest of the Massachusetts Legislature have shown our Guard members is inspiring," said Brig. Gen. Oliver J. Mason Jr., The Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard.

  Pictured in the group photo from left to right are: Joseph Ryan, Ken Forchielli, COL Charles Maguire, 1Lt Nicole Ivers, LTC Catherine Corkery, Gov. Mitt Romney, State Rep Anthony Verga, BG Oliver Mason, COL (Ret) Ray Magill.