POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Jerry C. Davis, chancellor of College of the Ozarks, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of the College of the Ozarks employees and family members of those that serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

The first in ESGR’s series of awards, an employee serving in the National Guard may nominate an individual supervisor at their employment to receive the Patriot Award as an appreciation for their support of those in the service. Davis was nominated by Cpt. Alex Eaton-Williams, assistant professor of military science at College of the Ozarks and member of the Army National Guard. The Patriot Award was presented to Davis by Williams during a performance of the College’s Patriotic Play, A Flight to Faith, on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. 

"The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve,” said Tom Krahenburl, ESGR Missouri Chair. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

College of the Ozarks has previously been awarded the prestigious Secretary of Defense “Freedom Award” and recently the “Extraordinary Employer Award” for continued support of employees that are members of the Guard and Reserve.   

More about The Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

The Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers value and support the military duty of their employees. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between employers and service members. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling (Steven Brothers at 573-638-9525).