The South Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) awarded Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) the Seven Seals Award.  The award was a recognition for their leadership and support of men and women who serve in the National Guard or Military Reserve.

Seven Seals Awardee

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program by the Department of Defense aimed to develop and promote “supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws.” They also help resolve conflicts between service members and employers if issues arise that need intervention.

The award was accepted by Lt. Jason Cain and Sheriff Kristin Graziano during a luncheon in North Charleston.  Graziano expressed said,

We are a proud employer of over a dozen Guardsmen and Reservists who serve our community with a mission of ‘Service Beyond the Call.

As described by ESGR, the Seven Seals Award is “the broadest and most inclusive award” given by the program, which is presented to individuals or organizations that promote the  mission “to include the efforts of the more than 3,600 volunteers who carry out ESGR’s mission across the Nation on a daily basis.”

Apart from the award they received, CCSO might also receive another ESGR award, the 2022 Freedom Award. It is the highest national recognition from the Department of Defense, which recognizes organizations that support employees who stay in service in the Guard and Reserve. 

According to DoD’s press release, “Service members can nominate large and small employers from a broad cross-section of America, including health, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, banking, service, and security, as well as from federal, state and local government agencies.”

Sheriff Kristin Graziano and Lt. Jason Cain accepted the honor during a luncheon in North Charleston. https://sheriff.charlestoncounty.org

Sheriff Graziano has also expressed her appreciation for being part of the Freedom Award finalist. She said on behalf of CCSO,