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Central Air Southwest was honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employees Who Serve in the Missouri National Guard and Reserve

Kansas City, Missouri - The Missouri Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Andrew Towner, Chief Pilot of Central Air Southwest in Kansas City, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of the employees who serve in the Missouri Air National Guard and Reserve.

Central Air Southwest joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many employers provide above and beyond support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.

Andrew Towner says: "It's been an honor to work with daily and have SPC Stephen Graham on the Central Air Southwest Pilot Team. Single pilot night-freight in the Mid-West can be challenging and Stephen exemplifies the industry's and our standards. He's shown us and it continues to show in his work a true discipline for safety and precision in the cockpit. We're very proud of him and he'll be in our thoughts and prayers while serving in Afghanistan."

SPC Stephen Graham, with ARNG 387th MP Co from New Albany Indiana, says: "Mr. Towner and Central Air have gone above and beyond to accommodate my military service. There has never been an issue when it came time for the Guard weekend or for two week annual training. Mr. Towner goes out of his way to change route schedules and cover routes while I am away for training. Central Air staff show support for the Reserves and they recognize me and my mission in the Guard. They continue benefits and hire fill ins. I am proud to work there."

John Towner, Owner of the Airline, says, "The award you gave Andrew and our company was very much appreciated. We will display the Patriot Award at our Kansas City office and the Statement of Support at our Cushing Oklahoma office. It was very kind of our pilot Stephen Graham to recommend us for the award and recognition. Being in the US Army Reserve after college myself I understand what our young men and women go through coordinating their military schedule with their employers." According to Retired Brigadier General, Tracy Beckette, ESGR Missouri Chair, "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the Minute Men before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of America's new Minutemen. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling 1-800-336-4590.