ROCHESTER, Minn. – U.S Army Reserve 1st Lt. Jessica Goodew is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award to her employment supervisor Dr. Matthew Penz DDS March 9 at the Penz Dental Office in recognition of his constant support through her eighteen-month resident U. S. Army training programs and later deployments.

In her absence the small company missed 20% of the staff of 5 employees. Dr. Penz called her weekly to communicate and sent care packages to both her husband at home and her while away.

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, 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 support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers ; more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800)336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/MN.

Pictured left to right: ESGR Volunteer Jim Kelzenberg, Dr. Matthew Penz and 1st Lt. Jessica Goodew