Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
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News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation was honored recently with the Pro Patria Award, sponsored by the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in recognition of its support of its employees who are members of the U.S. Armed Services.
This award is presented only to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support for national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
The Pro Patria Award is the highest state award given by ESGR, and the Cherokee Nation won it for going far beyond the requirements of law in supporting its employee service members.
“It is an honor to accept this award. Those who serve our country deserve our highest respect, and it is our duty to show our support for them. We are pleased to be able to adopt these policies to make it easier for them while they are on active duty,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
General support of Cherokee Nation employees who are members of the U.S. military includes military-friendly pay, benefits and leave policies; service member recognition; family and deployed member support; and supervisor training. The Cherokee Nation’s car tag program for veterans was also praised, as was the fact that it is the only native American tribe with a Veterans Affairs office located within its tribal complex. Also cited were Cherokee Nation’s annual Valentines for Veterans program and ceremonies held each month at Tribal Council meetings to honor citizen veterans, whether retired or on active duty.
This award is a rare honor. Only two, including this one, have been awarded in the last two and a half years.
Principal Chief Smith and Joe Grayson, Deputy Principal Chief, received the ESGR Seven Seals Award during a tribal council meeting. This award, presented to each chief individually for his support of Cherokee employees who are members of the American military, takes its name and its design from the depictions of all seven seals of the Reserve components of the U.S. Armed Services.
The Cherokee Nation has been nominated by ESGR to receive the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award. The highest award given by ESGR, the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, will honor 16 recipients out of approximately 1,700 nominees. Winners will be announced this fall.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
|
Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |
