Mississippi Pro Pratria Award Winners

Byram PD Presentation of the ESGR Above and Beyond Award

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

 I am a volunteer with the Mississippi Committee of ESGR.

 This is the narrative given by Myles C Lowe regarding his employer/supervisor:

 "Sergeant Colin Cooper was my night shift leader who displays all the necessary qualities of a true leader. His compassion and understanding of his subordinates and myself promoted growth and achievement on his shift. He made sure to support my duties to the Army National Guard by changing the work schedule so that I may have the preparation and rest time before and after all training. He ensured to keep me updated on new developments in the department and has always reached out to me to ensure I was in good spirits and to share a kind word. Sergeant Cooper encouraged me to be an even better leader in the Guard by providing me with reading material from authors such as Joko Willink, John C Maxwell, Sun Tzu, and David Ramsey (for financial literacy purposes). As the Byram Police Department SWAT Sniper, he has mentored me to improve my marksmanship which resulted in me shooting a 40/40 during Army BRM and qualification. SGT Cooper has improved me as a Police officer and Soldier. I feel as though those rare qualities of a supervisor should be recognized."

Colin Cooper Byram Police Department’s Patriot Award was approved Dec 2020

 The Above and Beyond Award is presented to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees and the Byram Police Department will be presented this award.  This is an award that is progressive in nature.  The award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers who has been recognized with a Patriot Award, and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. 

Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Respectfully,

Margarett Barnes