ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Issac Scott presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor, William Johnston, of Delkor Systems. The award was given April 26 at the company’s offices in St. Paul.

Scott was very appreciative of Johnston and the firm’s support and assistance with his Guard deployments, and he wanted to honor them.

An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a National Guard or 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, Johnston 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 Bob Gagne, an ESGR Minnesota 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 applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. 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: William Johnston, Chief Warrant Officer Issac Scott, and Bob Gagne ESGR Committee Member.
(Photo courtesy of William Johnston and Delkor Systems)