CHASKA, Minn. – Shawn Parker is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Abby Brown with Beckman Coulter, Inc. This award was given April 17 at Beckman Coulter, Inc. in recognition of Abby Brown’s support of his spouse Army Reserve Master Sgt. Jenna Parker’s service with the 354th MP Company (Support) in St Louis.

Shawn Parker was very appreciative of Beckman Coulter’s support and assistance with his spouse when Jenna was on unit drill assemblies and annual training deployments, he wanted to honor Abby Brown.

Shawn Parker stated, “Abby Brown is an excellent supervisor who strongly supports me and my spouse’s military service. Abby has been very flexible with my hours, even offering to help with my kids while Jenna is away for training. She never asks a second question when I tell her that I need to miss work for a family conflict that impacts our family activities. Abby has baby sat our children on a Saturday when I had a softball tournament and Jenna was at drill. She has offered on multiple occasions to pick up our son from Daycare when closing early due to weather and Jenna is either gone, or we are both tied up with work. Abby has been flexible with my work hours as it seems one of our two children always get sick when Jenna is away for weeklong Army Reserve obligations. While Jenna is away for training, she always ensures that my projects keep moving along and that I can focus on my business obligations mission.”

Also present was Tom Haugo, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member.

In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Beckman Coulter 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 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/mn.

Photo right to left: Abby Brown, Army Reserve Master Sgt. Jenna Parker, Shawn Parker and Tom Haugo - Minnesota ESGR volunteer.