ConnectShip, Inc. honored by Department of Defense for extraordinary support


TULSA, Okla. – Oklahoma Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced today that ConnectShip, Inc. received the ESGR Above and Beyond Award in recognition of the extraordinary support of the company employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, as nominated by Sergeant Major Vincent J. Sposato of the United States Army Reserves based out of Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

On behalf of ConnectShip, Sergeant Major Sposato (left) and Glenn Carr (right) receive the ESGR Above and Beyond Award from Raymond Knapp.

“The ESGR Above and Beyond 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 Raymond Knapp, Oklahoma ESGR state chair. “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”

“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Knapp. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

ConnectShip, Inc. was also nominated for the 2021 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award by Sergeant Major Sposato. One of 3,382 nominations submitted by National Guard and Reserve Service members, they join an elite group representing the very best of our nation in their patriotic values and enduring commitment to our military and our Nation’s defense.

ConnectShip, Inc. joins the many employers that 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 mobilize.

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 visit www.ESGR.mil/OK.

October 22, 2021