The Hotel at Auburn University was honored by the Department of Defense Jan. 28 for its outstanding reinforcement of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
Hans van der Reijden, managing director of hotel operations and educational initiatives, accepted the Seven Seals Award on behalf of the hotel.
Although the hotel did not apply for the award, it was nominated because of its support in upholding ESGR's mission by employing National Guard and Reserve service members while being flexible in regards to their commitment with the military.
Dillard J. Hammet, state vice chair-north of the Alabama Committee for ESGR, further explained how the mission of the secretary of defense reserve affairs is to come together with entities such as the hotel who hire National Guards and Reserves and blend into their policies statements that these people can do their duty while working a regular job.
"These warfighters are what we are here working with to interface between the employer and their unit," Hammet said.
The award is valuable because of the risk employers take by hiring someone who could potentially be shipped out in six months.
The Hotel at Auburn University is one of the only hotels in the state to receive this prestigious award.
"We're extremely grateful," van der Reijden said. "Their level of commitment, dedication, passion for what they do and the discipline they bring to work make them all exemplary employees."
Josiah Branson, midshipman first class in Navy ROTC, who will commission as a second lieutenant in May for the Marine Corps, also works at the front desk of the hotel as a guest service agent.
Branson explained how working at the hotel is very important to him.
"Initially you're the face of the University if someone's never come here before," Branson said, "The people at the front desk or within the hotel facility are the face of the town. That being said, I love doing it because I love meeting new people and representing Auburn as a university, a town and an ideal."
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