ESGR presents local Employer with Patriot Award Published March 30, 2016 By Benjamin Faske 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Area 4, San Antonio, awarded Craig Franklin, president of Craig Franklin, CPA, P.C. with the ESGR Patriot Award March 29, 2016. Franklin was nominated by Deborah Smith, a Craig Franklin CPA employee and the spouse of 433rd Airlift Wing commander Col. Thomas K. Smith Jr. The Patriot Award is awarded to individual supervisors who have made special efforts to support Citizen Warriors and their spouses through measures, such as flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence, if needed. "Presenting the Patriot Award to employers is one of the best things ESGR volunteers have the privilege to do," said Caryl Hill Texas ESGR, Area 4, San Antonio chair. "We not only say 'thank you for your support' on behalf of a Reserve Component member or spouse, but have the opportunity to meet great people who daily and quietly, support the men and women who serve in the National Guard or Reserve." Franklin supported Deborah Smith through two permanent changes of stations, one at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and the other at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Franklin allowed her to work remotely from these duty-stations as well as keep a flexible work schedule, by allowing her to work nights and weekends. He also paid for computers and periodic travel back to the San Antonio office. "Craig is a patriotic American and fully supports the armed forces in whatever way he can," said Deborah Smith, "I am proud and very fortunate to be a part of his team."