Three Tulsa employers saluted for support of Guard, Reserve

QuikTrip, the Tulsa Police Department and GWACS Defense Inc., a developer of sniper-busting technology, are among 133 semifinalists chosen from 3,236 nominees nationwide.

The employers have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond what the law requires, said Tom DeSpain, Oklahoma state chair of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “Support of employees is crucial emotionally,” DeSpain said, “If they're worried about their jobs, how are they going to perform on training and combat rounds?”

Guard and Reserve members, or their family members, nominate their employers for the Freedom Award. This year's 30 finalists will be announced in May, and 15 winners will be recognized on Sept. 20 in Washington, D.C.

QuikTrip provides the difference between military and civilian salary during deployments, spokesman Mike Thornbrugh said. Among its estimated 12,000 employees across 11 states, 81 are members of the Guard or Reserve, he said.

Of Tulsa Police Department's estimated 780 employees, about 50 are guardsmen or reservists including one brigadier general, Chief Chuck Jordan said.

“We're proud of those numbers,” he said. “Our citizen soldiers are now our main battle group, and fighting wars for us.”