Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Recognized for Patriotic Support | Liquor Control Board | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg - Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the Patriot Award to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) for its strong and unwavering support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

James Astor, Pennsylvania ESGR South-Central Area chairman, presented the award to Beth Fortna, director of the PLCB Bureau of Planning and Procurement, and Andrew Wilkes, Product Procurement division chief.

"It's an honor to recognize and pay tribute to employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces," Astor said. "It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support."

ESGR, a U.S. Department of War office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the Guard and Reserve. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, and resolving potential conflicts between employers and their employees who serve.

Fortna and Wilkes were nominated for the award by Staff Sgt. Kaylob Dauberman, a PLCB inventory supply analyst and a member of the 131st Transportation Company, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. In his civilian role with the PLCB, Dauberman supports the procurement of wine and spirits products for Pennsylvania consumers and the logistical supply planning for transportation and delivery of those products across the state.

In his nomination, Dauberman wrote that his PLCB supervisors "have provided me exceptional support throughout my National Guard service and upcoming deployment. Their leadership has been defined by respect, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to supporting service members. Rather than focusing on operational challenges, they focused on solutions and on supporting me as both an employee and a service member. Their attitude set the tone for others and reinforced that my Guard service is valued and respected within our organization.

Dauberman also wrote, "Their reassurance that my role, and future opportunities, remain secure has provided me with tremendous peace of mind during a significant life event. Their support helps provide stability for my family and demonstrates a true understanding of the sacrifice military families make. Their leadership exemplifies the spirit of employer support for the Guard and Reserve."

The PLCB joins Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies, and thousands of America's employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.

Established in 1972, ESGR has served our country for more than 50 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR requests employers sign a Statement of Support wherein they pledge to:

• Fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Appreciate the values, leadership, and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans.
• Continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families, in peace, during crises, and during war.

Today's supportive employers are critical to the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units. ESGR asks all employers to review their human resources policies and incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees. Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements when their employees mobilize for military service by offering pay differentials to offset loss of wages and extending healthcare benefits that complement coverage provided by the military.

For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs or volunteer opportunities, call 800-346-4590 or visit www.esgr.mil/PA.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 560+ Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide, and licenses more than 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. For more information about the PLCB, visit pa.gov/lcb.

MEDIA CONTACTS: James Astor, ESGR, 717.683.6548; Elizabeth Brassell, PLCB, 717.919.1905