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CMI2 receives U.S. Department of Defense Pro Patria Award

The West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) with the U.S. Department of Defense Pro Patria Award at its 2024 Annual Employer Luncheon on May 21, 2024. 

The Pro Patria Award, the highest-level award bestowed by an ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer, recognizes employers for “demonstrating the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve,” according to ESGR’s website. CMI2 received the 2024 Pro Patria small employer recognition for West Virginia. 

Individuals with award are shown in front of banners.
The West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) with the U.S. Department of Defense Pro Patria Award on May 21, 2024, at its Annual Employer Awards Luncheon. Mr. Joel Miltenberger, ESGR Program Coordinator, is shown presenting the award to CMI2 representatives Mrs. Aly Gregg, Vice President of Communications, and Mr. Chandler Lewis, Project Portfolio Manager: Contested Logistics, with Brigadier General David V. Cochran, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard.
Photo credit: Mr. Johnnie Ross, West Virginia ESGR.

“Half of the CMI2 overall workforce consists of current or former military personnel, which gives us a competitive edge in designing real solutions with the needs of service members in mind from the start,” said COL Mitchell Kusmier, Vice President of Operations for CMI2. “We are grateful to all our team members who are still serving with the West Virginia National Guard and are honored to receive this Pro Patria recognition.” 

CMI2 is proud to employ several staff members both currently and formerly in the West Virginia National Guard and Reserve, including Jared Lemons, Tiffany Yelenik, James “Cody” Clevenger, Chandler Lewis, Chris Lively, Garrett Boggess, Adam Landers, Eric Thomas, Katie Dooren, Brent DeBoard, and Dave Guggeis. Personnel no longer actively serving or retired from the West Virginia National Guard include COL (R) Wally Hatfield, LTC (R) Shawn Pratt, MAJ (R) Brian Gazaway, and MSG (R) Carl Oldenburg, Paul Coffy and Mallory Coleman.

Soldier is shown speaking in front of military flags.
Command Chief Master Sgt. Brandon W. Ives addressed the attendees of the 2024 ESGR Annual Employer Awards Luncheon. In his remarks, CMSgt told employers, “We can’t do our mission without your support to help us recruit and retain our servicemembers.” Photo credit: Mr. Johnnie Ross, West Virginia ESGR.

In addition to these individuals, CMI2 also boasts National Guard members in California and Tennessee.

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws, per the organization’s mission statement. ESGR also assists in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

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