Koch Recognized for Extraordinary Support of National Guard and Reserve Employees

The Pro Patria Award recognizes employers who demonstrate the greatest support to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The Kansas State Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has awarded Koch the Pro Patria Award for 2026.

The award recognizes employers who have demonstrated the greatest support to employees who are members of the National Guard or Reserve through their leadership practices, including policies that make it easier for employees to participate in Guard or Reserve activities. The Pro Patria Award is the highest recognition available at the state level.

During a small award ceremony, ESGR State Chair Ron Brown said Koch has demonstrated that it is willing to go far beyond what is required to help National Guard and Reserve members fulfill their military duty.

"Thank you so much for the tremendous support you provide to the Guard and Reserve members and allowing them the opportunity to serve their country," he said. "We understand that in that dual commitment to their employer and to the Guard or Reserve, it takes them away from employers, sometimes at a critical time, but I think what employers get in return are trained leaders and individuals that are able to adapt and find a way to make things work."

Nancy Kowalski, INVISTA president and CEO, received the award on behalf of Koch. INVISTA was previously awarded the Above and Beyond Award from ESGR after Caleb Newsom, a pricing and portfolio analyst for INVISTA, nominated his supervisor, Dustin Perry, for the support he received when he needed to move locations to accommodate his wife's service in the Kansas Air National Guard.

"It is our privilege to work with employees and their families to help them meet their commitments," Nancy said. "For me, military service embodies what it means to be contribution motivated, which at Koch just means that you're motivated by something bigger than yourself and by helping others succeed. When we work with Guard and Reserve members, it's mutually beneficial and a way that we put principles into action."

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