BRAHAM, Minn. – Phil Beaupre from East Central Energy (ECE) received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award at ECE headquarters Sept. 20. The award was submitted and presented by Spc. Bailey Rumreich. Rumreich is a member of the 334 Brigade Engineer Battalion. In writing up the award Rumreich stated he is gone more than one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Military training, state active-duty call-ups and other military obligations require him to miss work. Yet Phil still makes sure that Bailey is able to take personal time off days. Rumreich went on to note that Phil takes care of his team and leads humbly. ECE, Chief Executive Officer Justin Jahnz, was also present at the presentation. On behalf of ECE Justin signed a ESGR 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 countrys service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war. In his remarks Justin stated that he was impressed that a young soldier would take the time to write up an award for his civilian supervisor. He stated how proud he was that Phil took care of his employees in this fashion. 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. ESGR celebrates over 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. Photos courtesy of ECE’s Jenny Long. Award photo left to right: Phil Beaupre and Spc. Bailey Remreich. Statement of Support photo left to right: Bob Boone ESGR and Justin Jahnz.