Historic Downtown Boston was the setting for The Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today the AIG-Lexington Insurance Co. was honored with an “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve.

According to Mr. John Pelose , ESGR Area Chairman for Eastern Massachusetts , “The ESGR ‘Above and Beyond’ Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

AIG-Lexington Insurance Co.  joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many employers provide “Above and Beyond” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

AIG Lexington Insurance, specialists in property, casualty and specialty insurance coverage, was nominatedfor the Above and Beyond Award by one of their employees. Massachusetts National Guard Sergeant First Class James Erickson nominated his employer and praised them for their tremendous support to him and his family during his recent deployment. Chairman and CEO Kevin Kelley went a step further and signed a Statement of Support on behalf of his patriotic company. In doing so, Mr. Kelley has pledged AIG-Lexington Insurance Co. will continue to do all that they can to recognize and support their citizen guard and reservists.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America ’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Executive Director Joseph Ryan   (888) 301-3103 ext 7249