MINNEAPOLIS – Senior Airman Walter Cornelius, U.S. Air Force Reserve, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his civilian employment supervisor, Corey Bellmore who also serves in the Air Force reserve.

Both are civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force and members of the 934th Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station on Fort Snelling. The award presentation occurred at the unit’s maintenance facility recently.  Among the unit members and co-workers attending the presentation were Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Pierce, and ESGR Minnesota Committee Member Christie Nixon. 

Cornelius, an Air Force Reservist for three years and a civilian Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician in Bellmore’s shop for a year, called Corey the best supervisor he has ever had.  Cornelius cited Bellmore’s positive attitude, ability to motivate and inspire, caring actions toward the families of employees who are deployed, and guidance toward both continuous skill improvement and career progression as worthy of recognition.  

Bellmore expressed his appreciation for the recognition and in Cornelius’ dedication to the job. Anderson, the maintenance commander, expressed appreciation for the hard work that all of the technicians do to keep the 934th’s ten C-130 aircraft ready to fly.  

In addition to receiving the Patriot Award, Bellmore signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the company joins other employers in pledging:

We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).

We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.

We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

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 assists in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. In 2022, ESGR celebrated 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 .

Photo 1, left to right: ESGR Minnesota Committee Member Christie Nixon, Senior Airman Walter Cornelius, Senior Master Sgt. Corey Bellmore.  (Photo courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Steven Nelson).

Photo 2: Corey Bellmore signs Statement of Support (Photo courtesy of Christie Nixon, ESGR Minnesota Committee Member)