Nov. 10, 2008

Media contact: Chris Gleason, Community & Media Services manager, (253) 502-8222

The highest state-level award given to employers by the U.S. Department of Defense will go to Tacoma Public Utilities at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

The Public Utility Board will receive the Pro Patria award from Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) representatives, including State Chair Jim Shepherd and Executive Director Bryon Burgess.

One to three Washington employers receive the Pro Patria Award each year. Recipients demonstrate exceptional support for our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.

In addition to the Pro Patria Award, five Tacoma Power employees will receive the Patriot Award for supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Tacoma Power Line Worker Robert Bennett nominated his co-workers and supervisors for their help and encouragement during his deployment to Iraq from April 2007 to August 2008. The five Patriot Award winners are:

· Dave Ward, Transmission and Distribution (T&D) manager

· Craig Lohrey – T&D lead supervisor

· Tim Ross, Line Maintenance supervisor

· Mike Shook – senior line electrician

· Steve Tilley - T&D supervisor

The award presentation will take place in the Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium, 3628 S 35th St.

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About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense organization which seeks to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.