OLYMPIA, Wash. – Jeff deGraan, a supervisor at the Washington Department of Natural Resources was presented with a Patriot Award, by Mary Miller, south sound co-chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

DeGraan was nominated by Army Reserve Sgt. Larissa Ward, a forester at DNR.  “Thank you to Jeff deGraan at DNR for supporting both my military career and my civilian career as a forester,” said Ward.

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Miller. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to support Sergeant Ward in her service to our County,” said deGraan.”

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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visitwww.ESGR.mil/WA.

Pictured: Jeff deGraan (far left), a supervisor at the Washington Department of Natural Resources was presented with a Patriot Award, by Mary Miller (far right), south sound co-chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.  DeGraan was nominated by Army Reserve Sgt. Larissa Ward (middle), a forester at DNR.