INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. – Minnesota Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Edward Markfort presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his wife’s supervisor, Sergio Carrillo.

The award was presented Sept. 12 at the CHS company’s headquarters in Inver Grove Heights. Chief Warrant Officer Markfort was very appreciative of Mr. Carrillo and the company’s support and assistance that was provided to his wife, Weilan Markfort, while he was on active duty.

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 Service Member 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, Mr. Carrillo 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 vale’s, 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 50 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: Bob Gagne, ESGR Volunteer, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Markfort, Sergio Carrillo, and Weilan Markfort.