Weatherford honored with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards

Major Chad Marba and representatives of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented the City of Weatherford with a series of awards during the July 13 council meeting, recognizing the city and its managers for support of employees who serve in the guard and reserve.

Rick Noriega, state chair of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said the awards recognize employers who back employees serving in uniform and praised Weatherford’s workforce. Wyvette McClendon, identified as the north region director, said the city received a Patriotic Employer award, an "above and beyond" state-level award and that the city was a Texas finalist for the national ProPatria Freedom Award currently under review in Washington.

City Manager James Hotop accepted the awards on behalf of city employees, thanking council and staff. Presenters noted nominations from service members, including Staff Sergeant Sarah Allen, and described the awards as a public commitment to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). McClendon said the city’s signed statement of support will be posted so service members can see Weatherford’s commitment to employment protections.

The presentation emphasized the role of local supervisors and city culture in supporting reservists and guardsmen; presenters and the city thanked first responders and other staff who balance civilian work with military service. The council recessed briefly after the presentation and returned to regular session for the remainder of the agenda.