RAMSEY, Minn. – Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Brian Kraemer is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Keith Yetzer of the YTS Company. The award was given on Feb. 15 at the YTS Company office in recognition of Keith’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Kraemer was very appreciative of Keith’s support and assistance with his military deployments and wanted to honor Keith.

In addition to the presenting of a Patriot Award, Keith Yetzer 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.

Keith commented that his company seeks to hire military service members because of the quality of the work they perform both at his company and for the nation.

Also present was Bill Obedoza an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member. 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.

Photo left to right: Bill Obedoza, Keith Yetzer, Sgt. Brian J. Kraemer.