LAKEVILLE, Minn. – U.S. Navy Reservist Cmdr. James Schoeberl presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor, Chief Operating Officer, Will Uban May 31 at the Verified Credentials office.

Schoeberl stated this award is in recognition of the continued support he has received from Uban and throughout Verified Credentials as they have always gone far above and beyond in making his military service appreciated and supported and that he found this award a way of honoring such support. Commander Schoeberl, who is the corporate counsel at Verified Credentials, stated he knows how difficult it can be for him to be gone for an extended time, but he has never felt anything but support. Also, that Uban who served in the Marines, is a staunch advocate of the service and continually expressing how much he appreciated those that serve.

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, Uban signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that Verified Credentials 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 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 Cmdr. James Schoeberl, ESGR Everett Doolittle. And Chief Operating Officer Will Uban.

Photo: The signing of the Statement of Support by Chief Operating Officer Will Uban.