MINNEAPOLIS – Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Alex Londino presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor Eric Toth, Director of Health & Safety at the Minneapolis office of Cordia March 28.

Londino, who is the Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist at Cordia, stated he works very close with Director Toth and this award was in recognition of his support in going far above and beyond in making his military service appreciated and supported and that he found this award a way of honoring such support. Also, this culture of support was found throughout Cordia along with more than twenty participants at the celebration, many who currently or had served in the military.

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, Director Toth 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 the director of the ESGR Minnesota awards program, Jack Gram and ESGR Ombudsman Everett Doolittle. 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: Presenting the ESGR Patriot Award from left to right, ESGR Jack Gram, ESGR Everett Doolittle, Tech. Sgt. Alex Londino, and Director Eric Toth.

Photo: The signing of the Statement of Support from left to right ESGR Jack Gram and Eric Toth Director of Health & Safety at Cordia.