Employers receive recognition for support Published April 3, 2006 By Thomas Schmidt 927th Air Refueling Wing SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Employers of 927th Air Refueling Wing reservists are in line to receive prestigious awards from the Michigan Committee Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Reservists nominated 68 employers last year in a show of appreciation for support received in the performance of their military duties. While not all employers will receive awards, a select few will be publicly recognized at the annual awards banquet to be held in Lansing, Mich. April 7. Receiving the Above and Beyond Award will be: Dr. Gerald Cliff, Chief of Police, Saginaw Police Department, Saginaw, Michigan Rick Jones, Michigan State Representative Dearborn, Michigan Fire Department Ford Motor Company United Parcel Service The highly prestigious Pro Patria award will be presented to Pfizer, Inc. The award is presented to only one employer each year by the state committee. It is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. “It cannot be said enough that without employer support our Airmen’s availability to join in the battle against terrorism would be greatly diminished,” said Col. Gary E. Beebe, 927th ARW commander. “Our employers play a vital role in the national defense effort by encouraging and allowing our reservists to serve.”