AUSTIN, Minn. – Cindy Raney, wife of Sgt. 1st Class First Class Tom Raney U.S. Army Reserve Recruiter, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her employment supervisor, Molly Lanke at the United Way of Mower County. The award was given March 28 in recognition of her outstanding support for Cindy and her family. Molly did this during Cindy's husband's transitional move to a new duty station in Ohio.

Molly provided a family food support kit for them. As a part time employee, she was not provided paid time off or vacation time, but Molly Lake provided both during Raney's transition. It alleviated financial strain on her family and eliminated the fear of losing her employment at the United Way. Molly embodied the true Army Spirit of Strength, Dedication, and Support of a military family through her actions as an Executive Director.

In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Molly Lake also 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 as a family 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 were the United Way office staff and Jim Kelzenberg, a Minnesota ESGR 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 the laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers.

This year, ESGR celebrates 51 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo #1 left to right
Cindy Raney, Molly Lanke, Executive Director United Way of Mower County, Jim Kelzenberg, ESGR Committee Member

Photo#2 Molly Lanke signing the ESGR Statement of Support.