WASECA, Minn. – Chief Petty Officer Brent Macheel, U.S. Navy Reserve, is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Melissa Warner.
The award was given May 9 at Iton, Inc. of Waseca in recognition of Melissa Warner’s support of his service to the United States Navy Reserve. Brent Macheel was very appreciative of Melissa Warner’s support and assistance with his service and wanted to honor Melissa Warner.
Brent wrote that “Melissa Warner is very accommodating, supportive, and flexible when it comes to my military service. She has never shown any judgement towards my service and on occasion has helped bridge my military training to my employee goals. With her leadership and support, she has single-handedly removed an entire stressor from the equation. In doing so I can focus on my mission and my family.”
In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Melissa Warner 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 toeffectively 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. Also present was Paul Ragatz, 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: Melissa Warner and Chief Petty Officer Brent Macheel (Photo courtesy of Paul Ragatz)