CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. – Larry Helsene has served as an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Volunteer since January 2003 and has been an ESGR Ombudsman from July 2009. On April 26 at the Camp Ripley Military Facility, he was awarded the ESGR Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant achievement in promoting ESGR objectives over 20 consecutive years of service.
The achievement award citation read in part, “Helsene’s efforts as a Minnesota Committee Ombudsman have been instrumental as a resource to service members in answering difficult inquiries regarding USERRA and to the Minnesota committee helping with important cases. Larry’s willingness to attend large-scale Unit Briefing to assist Region Chairs in Question-and-Answer sessions, brings a high level of professionalism to the Minnesota ESGR Committee. Larry was an ESGR Minnesota Region Chair for many years. Larry Helsene is a standard for ESGR Minnesota volunteers. Larry’s dedicated service is a great credit upon himself, the National Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve and United States Department of Defense.”
The award was presented by Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett with the assistance of Lt. Col. Steve Hall, Deputy Commander Camp Ripley Military Facility.
Both Sackett and Hall made mention that Helsene retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard as a command sergeant major in 2005.
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: Lt. Col. Steve Hall, Larry Helsene ESGR, and Chad Sackett ESGR. (Photo courtesy of Bob Adams ESGR)