Minneapolis, MN.  CPT Jacob (Jake) Martin, an Engineer Officer in the United States Army Reserve who is currently deployed in Kuwait, arranged to award the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Lindsay Butler-Terry, Manager of the Dakota Minnesota Airports District Office Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The award was given virtually on Nov 15, 2022 during an FAA senior manager conference in Des Plaines, IL in recognition of Ms. Butler-Terry’s support of Jake’s service to the US Army Reserve. 

CPT Martin, a Civil Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration, was particularly appreciative of Lindsay’s encouragement to him to apply for promotion to Deputy Manager, Airport District Office, in spite of his hesitation due to pending deployment.  He was selected for that promotion.  Jake also called out the thorough and supportive actions that Lindsay took with the large, centralized Human Resources offices of the FAA.  She pursued questions and answers he had posed regarding pay, benefits, and procedures.  Her track record in this area allows Jake to concentrate on his military duties during deployment, knowing that he, his wife, and his children will be benefit from timely personnel actions upon his return.  Jake also recognized the eight other members of his work team, who have volunteered to take over his projects during his military duty – whether two weeks of annual training or the current deployment.

Ms. Butler-Terry expressed her sincere gratitude for the recognition, her appreciation for Jake as an employee (“He was absolutely ready for that promotion”) and for his service (“Jake is the real hero here with all he and his family are enduring during this deployment.”)

Making the award presentation virtually from Minneapolis was Christie Nixon, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member.  Senior attendees from the FAA included: Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports Winsome Lenfurt, and Great Lakes Region Airports Division Director Susan Mowery-Schalk.  Lindsay’s supervisor Jim Keefer, Deputy Director, Airports Division, and Dr. Tom Littleton were instrumental in organizing the presentation.


ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates 50 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil .