MANTORVILLE, Minn. – Rich Hall an ESGR Minnesota Committee member presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to three of Staff Sgt. Shawn Dolson’s supervisors, Sheriff Scott Rose, Chief Deputy Ryer Anderson, and Police Capt. Jeff Espinosa.

The award was presented recently at The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in recognition of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office support of their employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Dolson could not attend the ceremony due to other commitments.

Shawn was very appreciative of his employer’s support and assistance with his service and flexibility with his schedule. Shawn wanted to honor the sheriff, chief deputy, and captain. Sheriff Rose stated that his son currently serves in the military, and he understands the hardships soldiers go through. Scott, Ryer and Jeff are genuinely supportive of Shawn’s time away from his civilian job.

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 service member 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, Sheriff Rose signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office 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.

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 from left to right: Police Cpt. Jeff Espinosa, Sheriff Scott Rose, ESGR member Rich Hall and Chief Deputy Ryer Anderson.