EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA — Starkey has been named a recipient of the 2026 Pro Patria Award, the highest honor presented by a state committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
The award recognizes Starkey for its support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve through workplace policies, leadership, and support for military service members and their families. Starkey was one of two Minnesota businesses selected for the honor this year from hundreds of nominations.
Presented by the Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Pro Patria Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate support for military-connected employees. Recipients are recognized for workplace practices that help Guard and Reserve members balance their civilian careers with military service commitments.
Supporting active-duty military personnel, Veterans, and military families is also a focus of Starkey Cares, the company’s charitable and community outreach initiative. Starkey’s efforts in this area include hearing health initiatives, partnerships, Veteran-focused outreach, and workplace programs for military-connected employees.
“Receiving the Pro Patria Award is an incredible honor, but more importantly, it reflects a responsibility we take seriously,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “The men and women who serve our country bring extraordinary leadership, discipline, and purpose to everything they do, and we believe those qualities make our company stronger. We are proud to support our National Guard and Reserve employees, and Veterans and their families, not simply because it is the right thing to do, but because we believe in the value they bring to Starkey. This award reinforces our commitment to supporting those who serve and creating meaningful opportunities for military members and Veterans at Starkey.”
The recognition highlights Starkey’s efforts to provide employees with the flexibility and resources needed to fulfill both their professional and military service commitments. ESGR awards recognize employers for leadership and workplace practices that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve.
Starkey will be recognized during a pre-game, on-field ceremony at the Minnesota Twins Military Appreciation Day game on September 13, 2026, at Target Field.
The company also continues to support hearing health initiatives for Veterans and active-duty military personnel as part of its broader work with military communities.
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
Source: Starkey
