Judicial Branch Employees Honored with ESGR Patriot Awards for Supporting Military Service

Three North Carolina Judicial Branch employees have been recognized with the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their support of Judicial Branch employee Lieutenant Colonel William Hart and his military service on active duty.

The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors and other individuals who demonstrate outstanding support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. The award is presented to those who help create a workplace culture that supports military service, including through flexibility and encouragement when service members must fulfill their military obligations.

The awards were presented to North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Director Ryan Boyce, General Counsel Andrew Brown, and Deputy Legal Counsel Nicole Brinkley in recognition of their support of LTC Hart's service on active duty.

Chief Justice Paul Newby, Court of Appeals Judge and North Carolina National Guard Major Tom Murry, and Public Defender and National Guard Colonel Robert Kemp attended the presentation. Newby congratulated the award recipients for supporting a fellow Judicial Branch employee who is answering the call to serve.

“The North Carolina Judicial Branch is proud to support LTC William Hart as he continues his service to our state and nation,” said Chief Justice Paul Newby. “Service members should be focused on their duties and not concerned about the condition of their employment back home. Ryan, Andrew, and Nicole helped to provide that peace of mind by demonstrating the kind of support that our military personnel and all North Carolinians can be proud of.”

LTC Hart’s military service is an example of the many ways Judicial Branch employees serve their communities and country beyond their work in North Carolina’s courts. The Judicial Branch recognizes the value that members of the Guard and Reserve bring to the workplace and is committed to supporting employees who balance their professional responsibilities with military service.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve components through recognition, education and outreach.