ST. AUGUSTA, Minn. – Emily Christy, wife of Pvt. Trent Christy of the Minnesota National Guard, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her husband’s employment supervisor, Josh Chilson. The award was presented at North Central Utility in recognition of Josh’s support for his employee’s service to the Minnesota National Guard. Emily has been very appreciative of the support and assistance she has received from her husband’s employer while her husband Trent has been attending his initial military training and wanted to recognize Josh and North Central Utility.
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 receiving a Patriot Award Josh signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that North Central Utility 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 Byron Nelson, a Minnesota Region 4 ESGR volunteer. 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: Pvt. Trent Cristy, Emily Cristy, Josh Chilson, Byron Nelson (Photo courtesy of Byron Nelson)