ARAG Honored With Patriot Award From Department of Defense

DES MOINES, IA – ARAG^®, a global provider of legal solutions, announced today that it has been awarded the Patriot Award from the National Committee of Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for its extraordinary support of employee Santiago Alonzo during his recent two years of active duty with the Army Reserve. The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency with a mission to increase support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts.

"This award illustrates ARAG's commitment to protecting our members' families, finances and futures," said David Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARAG. "But we have to start with our employees and their families, so while Santiago served his country we helped take care of his family. I am very proud of this award because it demonstrates our employees live the ARAG mission daily."

During Santiago's active duty, ARAG exceeded pay and benefits required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, sent care packages, and delivered meals – including Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts – to his wife and five children.

According to Dick Rue, Iowa ESGR State Chair, "The Patriotic Employer Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. ARAG was nominated for being highly supportive of Santiago Alonzo’s National Guard service. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

The Patriot Award is just one of a bevy of honors ARAG has taken home recently. The company earned the "Best Place to Work in Insurance" honor given by Business Insurance magazine for the third consecutive year in November, and was named #1 in 2011. Additionally, last month the company was named a Center of Excellence for the fifth consecutive year by BenchMark Portal in recognition of its outstanding customer service to members.

Awards Presentation

The media is invited to ARAG on Monday, February 13, at 10:30 a.m. for the award presentation by members of the ESGR and National Guard. ARAG is located in Capital Square on the fourth floor (400 Locust Street, Suite 480).

About ARAG

ARAG (www.ARAGgroup.com), whose North American operations are based in Des Moines, IA, is a global provider of legal solutions. The company has an international premium base of nearly $2 billion and it protects 15.5 million individuals and their families – worldwide. ARAG empowers individuals to protect their families, finances and future by providing outstanding service and meaningful relief for everyday legal issues.