(L-R) Terry Williams, Sheriff Buddy Glass and Robert Grier show award for patriotic support. (Savannah, Ga-ESGR) The Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Dept. of Defense, announced on August 21, 2008 the Miller County Sheriff's Office was honored with an "Above and Beyond" award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to Thomas Wessels ESGR Georgia Chair, "The Above and Beyond" award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Supportive employers, such as Sheriff Glass, are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

The Miller County Sheriff's Office 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 Law. Many employers provide "Above and Beyond" support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of healthcare benefits with complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

"This group of employers continues to provide superior support to their employees who serve in the Georgia National Guard and Reserve. I am challenging all of Georgia's employers to rise to this level in their support, and to stand proudly with their employees, who like the Minutemen before them, continue to answer their nation's call to defend our way of life." stated Thomas Wessels GA ESGR State Chairman.

Miller County Sheriff Glass, Deputy Robert Grier, and Chief Deputy Terry Williams attended an event in honor of the Miller County Sheriff's Office as well as several other employers in Georgia for their support of the National Guard and Reserve. Deputy Grier and Chief Deputy Williams have both completed one full tour of duty in Iraq to date. They wish to thank the Sheriff's Office and all the citizens of Miller County for their support and prayers.

Your community should thank those who serve.