ST. PAUL, Minn. – ESGR Committee Members Jack Grams and John Kingrey presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Extraordinary Employer Support and Patriot Awards at the December board meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities.
Jack Grams is shown presenting the Extraordinary Employer Support Award to Patrick Arneson (Litigation Attorney, League of Minnesota Cities/Commander, U. S. Army Reserve 6th Legal Operations Detachment), Justin Miller (Second Vice President, League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors/City Administrator, City of Lakeville, MN), Jack Grams (MN ESGR Awards Director), David Unmacht (Executive Director, League of Minnesota Cities), and D. Love (Past President, League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors/Mayor, City of Centerville, MN).
Grams also presented a Patriot Award nominated by COL Patrick Arneson to Human Resources Director Laura Kushner in recognition of her support of her employee's service to the U. S. Army Reserve. COL Arneson was very appreciative of Laura's support and assistance with his deployments and wanted to honor her. Laura even covered his work at the League while he was deployed. This is the third Patriot Award in the last two years to supervisors at the League.
The executive director also signed an ESGR Statement of Support which pledges to provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. It also reaffirms the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans. In presenting the awards, Mr. Grams acknowledged “the long standing and extensive support, over many years, for not only their active military employees but also all Minnesota city Guard and Reserve employees. The League of Minnesota Cities has been among the 30 finalists for the ESGR Freedom Award in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The Extraordinary Employers Support Award is a recognition of that support and is well deserved.” The awards were presented in December at the League of Minnesota Cities board room in Saint Paul. 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 51 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.
Photos:
Left to right: Patrick Arneson (Litigation Attorney, League of Minnesota Cities/Commander, Army Reserve 6th Legal Operations Detachment), Justin Miller (Second Vice President, League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors/City Administrator, City of Lakeville, MN), Jack Grams (MN ESGR Awards Director), David Unmacht (Executive Director, League of Minnesota Cities), and D. Love (Past President, League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors/Mayor, City of Centerville, MN). Left to right in the second photo: Jack Grams (MN ESGR Awards Director), Laura Kushner (Human Resources Director, League of Minnesota Cities), and Patrick Arneson (Litigation Attorney, League of Minnesota Cities/Army Reserve Commander, 6th Legal Operations Detachment). (Photos courtesy of John Kingrey)