LONG LAKE, Minn. – Spc. Brady J. O’Loughlin, Minnesota Army National Guard, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Soo Peterson. The award was presented Jan. 24 at Eagle Brook Church in recognition of Peterson’s support of her employee's service in the Minnesota National Guard.

O’Loughlin was very appreciative of Soo Peterson’s support and assistance with his Guard deployments and wanted to honor Soo Peterson. An employee serving in the National Guard 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 support.
Spc. O’Loughlin stated: “My supervisor, Soo Peterson has been exceptional at helping my spiritual development, as well as my ability to lead others in their faith, and developing me as a pastor. I have learned so much from Soo and have appreciated her relational, servant leadership style. Soo has also been a huge advocate for me in my service in the MNARNG. As you might imagine, it is difficult to work at a church with our most important day being Sundays and having to miss once a month for battle assemblies. Sundays really are the one day that I am needed the most at work. I can’t help but feel guilty whenever I attend drill and leave my fellow pastors to pick up my slack so often. Soo has encouraged me in my service and the rest of our pastoral staff have shared the burden of my work on Sundays. They have led my volunteer teams with cheerful hearts. I could not be more appreciative of Soo and how understanding and supportive she truly is.”

O’Loughlin went on to say, “Soo’s unwavering commitment to my success, both in my military and civilian lives, is truly commendable. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that I have the necessary resources, flexibility, and understanding to fulfill my Guard duties while excelling in my civilian career. Soo’s continuous support not only fosters a positive work environment, but also reinforces the value and importance of military service. I believe that Soo’s outstanding efforts and genuine care for my well-being make her a deserving candidate for the Patriot Award.”

In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Soo Peterson 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 Tom Haugo, an ESGR 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 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:
Tom Haugo, Minnesota ESGR, Soo Peterson, and Spc. Brady O’Loughlin