Baker Group, a leader in industrial and commercial engineering and construction services, is proud to announce it has received of the Above and Beyond Award from the Iowa Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This prestigious award recognizes employers who exceed the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to support their Guard and Reserve employees. 

Baker Group was selected for this honor based on its exceptional support of military employee Johnathan White and others within the organization. 

“Being deployed presents a unique set of challenges that only those who have served can truly understand,” says White, who is currently deployed abroad. “Baker Group has remained engaged in my deployment throughout. I know that I have their support and that when my service was complete I will have a job. It is hard to put into words what that means for me personally and for my family.” 

The award highlights Baker Group's commitment to providing additional, non-mandated benefits to military employees, such as differential pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and more. Baker Group’s history of supporting service members is deeply rooted as founder Bernie Baker was a World War II Navy veteran. 

"We are greatly honored to receive the Above and Beyond Award from the Iowa ESGR Committee," says Baker Group President Doug Kumm. "Supporting our military employees speaks to the core values we have at Baker Group, and we are committed to providing them with the resources and benefits they deserve for their service." 

The award was presented to Baker Group at the ESGR Annual Employer Award Banquet on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Air National Guard 132d Wing in Des Moines. 

For more information about the Above and Beyond Award and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, please visit ESGR.