Edwards, HSISD recognized by military support group

HUGHES SPRINGS – Men and women who enlist in the National Guard Army Reserves depend on their employers support in case they are deployed. Chris Castle knows firsthand the importance of that support, and wanted to recognize his supervisor and employer for their support.

Castle, a member of the Texas Army National Guard, received word during the summer that he would be deployed to Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa. Set to leave in October, Castle will be gone until the summer of 2018. Castle had also been employed by the Hughes Springs ISD as a teacher/coach since 2016. In the wake of his orders, he was unable to fulfill his duties with HSISD.

The district honored Castle prior to the beginning of school with a reception, giving students, staff, and community members an opportunity to express their thanks and well-wishes. Castle then chose to honor his supervisor and employer by nominating them as Patriotic Employers.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program which promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers, according to the ESGR website. Established in 1972, the program also

assists in resolving conflicts arising from military commitment. The program gives service members an opportunity to express their gratitude to their employers for showing support.

On Aug. 30, Coach Chris Edwards accepted an award from ESGR on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, James N. Mattis. Coach Chris Castle nominated Coach Edwards, his supervisor, and HSISD for their unfailing support of his upcoming deployment. Hughes Springs ISD is recognized as a “Patriotic Employer”.

“HSISD pledges to continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war,” said HSISD Superintendant Sarah Dildine.