ELK RIVER, Minn. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award was presented to Erosion Works by ESGR Committee member Robert W. Adams on May 9 at the Erosion Works Office in recognition of the company's outstanding support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves. Receiving the award on behalf of Erosion Works was Roger Zakrajshek, its owner.

This award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. This award will be given to only 30 businesses annually, from hundreds of Patriot Award nominations received in Minnesota, that have honored their employees’ service in the United States military by providing assistance or benefits that go beyond the minimum required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).

Capt. Eric Jezierski and Sgt. Robert Hoeller, Minnesota Army National Guard, both stated that Erosion Works was very supportive of its military employees. Roger Zakrajshek the owner of Erosion Works commented that he was very pleased with his veteran employees. He stated that they were very reliable and did good work for him.

Jezierski specifically commented that: “When one of my soldiers was facing a personal crisis, I knew that as a commander, I had resources available to help. The challenge is that in the National Guard, I have to share my soldiers' time with their civilian employers. When Roger with Erosion Works heard that one of his employees was having personal struggles and was getting assistance through military channels, he stepped up big time. This soldier had an appointment with our behavior health team during his regular work hours and was having trouble with reliable transportation. While the unit had a plan to make sure that transportation would not be an issue, Roger ensured that this soldier not only received paid time off to receive the care he needed, but shared a company vehicle to make sure the soldier had reliable transportation. In times when so many companies appear to be most concerned with the bottom line, Roger has shown up as a true leader and a valued civilian partner to our organization. I can't thank him enough for the support and leadership he has demonstrated.”

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: Robert W. Adams ESGR and Roger Zakrajshek, Owner Erosion Works.
(Photo courtesy of Katrina Krueger Erosion Works)