BNSF Railway announced that it was the first recipient of the Texas National Guard's Texas Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Prominence Award. The award was presented at ESGR's annual March banquet honoring companies for their continuous outstanding support to their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve and the ESGR Committee.

"BNSF is honored to receive this recognition. These men and women are a special asset because of their dedication to both our nation and our company," said John H. Wesley III, BNSF's Manager of Military Staffing. "Supporting our employees, their families and the communities in which we operate is a top priority for BNSF."

The ESGR Prominence Award is a new award that recognizes those employers who have achieved a position of prominence with their consistently unmatched support for their Guard and Reserve employees, and who have previously received ESGR's other highest awards.

BNSF has long been recognized for its commitment to and support of America's citizen soldiers, having received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, Pro Patria Award and more than one Above and Beyond Award. In addition, a number of BNSF employees have received Patriot Awards.

All ESGR awards are the result of an employee's nomination of the award recipient, indicative of the employee-service member's appreciation for the support and cooperation of the company, enabling people to fulfill their military commitments.

The Texas ESGR Committee is one of 54 field committees organized in the United States and territories by the US Department of Defense to assist and work with employers on Guard and Reserve issues. Texas has the largest state ESGR committee, with more than 220 active volunteers.