MINNEAPOLIS –Army National Guard Sgt. Susan Fiala presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her supervisor Emily Elgie recently during a shift change at the nurse’s station in the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in recognition of Emily’s support for her service to the Army National Guard.
Fiala is a registered nurse at the Medical Center and her supervisor is the 6B intermediate care unit nurse manager. Fiala has a military police officer. She has been in the National Guard for 6 years and has been deployed once.
Fiala was very appreciative of Fairview’s support, especially the additional military differential pay that is offered. She also praised her supervisor for her unwavering support.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or the spouse of a National Guard or Military Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriot Award for support provided directly to the nominating Servicemember and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Emily Elgie 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.
Also present was John Kingrey, 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 over 50 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: Sgt. Susan Fiala, Emily Elgie, and John Kingrey (Photo courtesy of M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center).