The South Dakota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently presented the prestigious “2003 Pro Patria Award” to Citibank (South Dakota), N.A.  The presentation was made Feb. 12, 2004 at the annual National Guard “Legislative Dining Out” in Pierre.

“Pro Patria” is the Latin expression meaning “for the nation.”  This award is given to an individual or company that has supported employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve.  It symbolizes the patriotism shown by adopting personnel policies that enable employees to fulfill National Guard and Reserve training and deployment obligations, thus contributing to the readiness and success of our nation’s defense.

Citibank is a diverse financial company and the largest credit card issuer in North America, with approximately 3,200 workers in Sioux Falls.  Citibank South Dakota employs 31 members of the South Dakota National Guard or Army Reserve.

In 2003, Citibank and the Citigroup Foundation contributed more than $800,000 to over 100 grant partners in South Dakota, including the National Guard.  Citibank is proud and committed to supporting its military members, granting nearly 25,000 hours of military leave in 2003 to its employed members of the National Guard and Reserve.

In addition, since the activation of thousands of National Guard and Reserve troops to support Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Citibank has implemented numerous incentive and benefit enhancements to ensure its military members and their families receive the maximum support possible during activations.  These benefits go above and beyond what is required by law.