The National Guard and Reserve make up more than 35 percent of total American armed forces. The majority of these men and women hold civilian careers outside of their military service -- working quietly in our communities. They are your friends and neighbors. From fire fighters to financial advisors, teachers to tradesmen, our citizen soldiers and airmen are sewn into the communities in a unique way. When called to duty, whether helping respond to a wildfire or flood or fighting America's wars abroad, these soldiers' and airmen's civilian employers have a gap to fill and challenges to overcome. However, despite the challenge, many employers go above and beyond any legal requirement and support their military employees at incredible levels. Each year, the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, or ESGR, honors employers who surpass expectations. Thirty of Missouri’s businesses and organizations were recently honored at the state level with an awards ceremony in Jefferson City. The ceremony gave Guard and Reserve employees a way to let their employers know that their support does not go unnoticed. Missouri has a proud legacy of employer support for the military. During the past decade alone, eight Missouri employers have been recognized at the highest level -- being awarded the Secretary of Defense's Freedom Award, the top honor an employer can receive. Out of thousands of applicants, only 15 companies or organizations from across the country receive this award each year. This year, Missouri sent another supportive company to Washington D.C. to receive top honors in a ceremony at the Pentagon. Militia service is as old as the United States. Before independence, local communities formed their own security forces, citizens who would rally in times of emergency, to protect their homes and cities from outside threats. Today, the National Guard and Reserve continues this proud tradition. Without supportive employers, it would be nearly impossible to sustain an operational force of Guardsmen and Reservists ready to respond when the state or nation calls. The ESGR awards program is one small way our nation says 'thank you' to supportive businesses and organizations, and is a reminder to these military employers that they are critical partners ensuring our national defense.