Michigan Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, announced today that Dow has received the ESGR Pro Patria Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of Dow’s employees who serve in the Michigan Guard and Reserve.
“The ESGR Pro Patria Award was created to publicly recognize U.S. employers providing extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Gary Aten, ESGR state committee chair. “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”
Dow joins thousands of American employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Many employers provide support far beyond what USERRA requires, including pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits to complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.
In addition to adopting policies and benefits to support veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard, Dow also established a Veterans Employee Resource Group in 2015. Data has shown that when veterans join the private-sector workforce, the broad range of experiences they bring with them, is directly in line with the qualities and skillsets Dow is looking for in an employee. Dow’s Veterans Employee Resource Group is focused on providing veterans the resources they need to thrive in their roles at Dow. These resources include a Military Degree Equivalency program, a mentor matching program for new military hires and the establishment of two sub-resource groups designed to provide support for active reservists and members of the National Guard and spousal support.
“We are truly humbled and honored to be recognized with the prestigious Pro Patria Award by ESGR,” said Scott Whelchel, Dow’s Chief Security Officer, Global ES&S Director and Managing Sponsor of Dow’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. “Dow believes there is a strong business case for hiring veterans and recognizes the invaluable contributions they bring to the workplace. We demonstrated this belief in November 2020 by launching our Military Degree Equivalency program which is leveling the playing field for veterans with relevant military experience of E6 rank or greater (OR6 for Canada) as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree for U.S. and Canada job postings.”
ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/MI.