Members of The G.W. Van Keppel family — Marsha Moore, Mike Brown and David Palmer each received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The ESGR, an office of the Department of Defense, is charged with promoting cooperation and understanding between Reserve and National Guard service members and their employers.

“I would like to thank the members of the G.W. Van Keppel family for the support and understanding that is required from members of the Oklahoma National Guard. A lot is asked of the company when we have our training obligations to attend weekend battle assemblies and extended battle drills. The company has been very flexible with accommodating our military obligations. I would like to thank David Palmer and Mike Brown for their support with my service in the National Guard,” said Sgt. Charles Hamilton, Oklahoma National Guard.

The Patriot Award is presented to individual employers and supervisors who support National Guard and Reserve service members by providing flexible schedules to work around military training and schools. This award is also earned for providing leaves of absence for extended training periods, as well as supporting the service members’ families during those times.

Marsha, Mike and David were each nominated for their awards for their individual efforts in supporting Staff Sgt. David “Indie” Rogers, and Sgt. Charles Hamilton, both currently serving in the Army Reserve and National Guard respectively.

The award was presented by Command Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Marcus Whitt, and authorized by the office of the Secretary of Defense.

“David and Marsha (both of whom I work for as the internal/rental Technician) have worked constantly with me to ensure that I’m able to do the necessary training prior to the mobilization. I encourage National Guard and Reserve Soldiers employed by Van Keppel to consider nominating their supervisors for the Patriot Award if they display the same commitment to them, as these three do to us,” said Staff Sgt. David “Indie” Rogers, Army Reserves.

“I am very humbled by this award. The ones that deserve recognition are the men and women who put their lives on hold and in jeopardy to defend this great nation. We are very fortunate to have employees such as David ’Indie’ Rogers and Charles Hamilton,” said Marsha Moore.

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