Callison Tighe gets national award for support of Guard and Reserve
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Callison Tighe is one of only 15 employers in the country to receive the nation’s highest recognition for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve component of the armed forces.
The U.S. Department of Defense 2019 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award was presented at a Pentagon ceremony on Aug. 23 to the top 15 employers in the nation chosen by the ESGR for their support of our men and women wearing the uniforms of their National Guard and Reserve units. Callison Tighe was chosen from among 2,415 nominations. The award recognizes employers who have, through their leadership and practices, made it easier for employees to continue to serve our country in the Guard and Reserve.
Previously, Callison Tighe had received the top statewide recognition. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, presented its “Pro Patria Award” – its highest recognition presented on the state level – to Callison Tighe Members Mike Tighe and Rick Detwiler at an awards luncheon on March 19.
Mr. Tighe, Mr. Detwiler and Callison Tighe member Louis Lang were at the Pentagon to receive the national award, along with Callison Tighe associate Ian T. Duggan, who is a major in the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Callison Tighe was nominated for the award by Maj. Duggan, who served on active duty in the United States Air Force before joining Callison Tighe and the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Duggan said the firm’s support of employees who serve in the military was one of the things that attracted him to Callison Tighe. “It was never a question when I became a part of Callison Tighe that my military service was respected.”
“We are immensely proud of this national award, and even prouder of Ian’s service, and that of everyone in our firm who has served in our country’s military,” said Managing Partner Mike Tighe. Other current and former members and employees of the firm who have served in uniform include Preston Callison, Robbie Robinson, Mr. Tighe, Mr. Lang, David Ewing, Butch Barnhill, Wayne Rush (deceased), Billie Green, and Dionta Wells.
In his remarks at a reception at Washington’s Army Navy Country Club the evening before the Pentagon Ceremony, Mr. Tighe noted that the firm’s three named partners all served in the military during years our country was at war.
The other employers receiving the national award were Archer Daniels Midland; Barclays; Chevron; Cracker Barrel Old Country Store; Delta Solutions & Strategies, LLC; Direct Supply, Inc.; Eversource Energy; Houston, Texas, Police Department; Kauai Auto Repair; Levi Rodgers Real Estate Group @ RE/MAX Military City; LG&E and KU Energy, LLC; Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; The Steel Network; West Valley City, Utah.
“It is an honor to recognize these 15 exemplary civilian employers,” said then-Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. “The strength of our military and the success of our defense strategy depends on the readiness of our National Guard and Reserve members. These dedicated citizen warriors could not accomplish their missions without employers who understand and support their military service. We are grateful to these organizations for their role in keeping our nation safe and for setting the standard for all employers of Guard and Reserve members.”
