MTA Recognized by ESGR for Supporting Guard and Reserve Members
Contributed by Alexander Medvedev
Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) continues to earn recognition at both the state and national levels for its commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of War program that promotes supportive work environments for National Guard and Reserve service members and their spouses.
Most recently, MTA was awarded the Pro Patria Award, the highest honor presented by ESGR at the state level. The award recognizes employers who demonstrate exceptional support through leadership, workplace policies, and a culture that empowers service members to succeed both professionally and in uniform.
MTA has also advanced to the semifinalist level for the Secretary of War Employer Support Freedom Award. A national review board will evaluate all semifinalists, and Top 30 will be selected by the end of March for the next phase of consideration.
“We’re dedicated to supporting the Guard, Reserve members, and veterans on our team. Their leadership, adaptability, and service mindset make MTA stronger and our communities better,” said Demian Voiles, Chief Executive Officer of Matanuska Telecom Association.
A Track Record of Support: MTA’s recognition is built on years of consistent support: Pro Patria Award (2026), highest ESGR state-level honor; Above and Beyond Award (2023), recognizing extraordinary employer support; Patriot Awards (2023, 2025), honoring leadership support, including Jessica Gilbert; Statement of Support (2025), formal commitment to supporting employees in the National Guard and Reserve.
Jessica Gilbert, Director of Marketing & Communications at MTA, has been recognized twice with the Patriot Award. During one nomination, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Alexander Medvedev highlighted her leadership: “Her empathy, reliability, and commitment to personal and professional growth truly exemplify outstanding leadership.”
Supporting Those Who Serve: With a workforce that includes about 10% of prior-service veterans and currently serving Guard and Reserve members, MTA has built a strong reputation as a veteran-supportive employer in Alaska.
The organization actively fosters an environment where military obligations are respected, supported, and understood. Operating in a state with one of the highest per capita military populations in the nation and a critical role in U.S. defense across the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, MTA recognizes the importance of supporting those who serve both in uniform and at home.
The Pro Patria Award places MTA among a select group of employers statewide, as ESGR selects only one small, one large, and one public sector employer each year. This recognition underscores MTA’s role as a leading employer for service members and veterans in Alaska.
About the Author: Alexander Medvedev is part of the Public Affairs & Communications team at Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) and a U.S. Army Reserve veteran with 17 years of service.