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ESGR in the News

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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Lt. Col. Dustin Snare, United States Army Reserves presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his employment supervisors, Jeff Geigel, Kyle Acher, Rachele Orsini, and Alla Livshitz with Starkey Laboratories, Inc.

The awards were given Jan. 6 at Starkey Laboratories in recognition of their support of his employee service to the USAR. Snare was very appreciative of their support and assistance of his service and deployments and he wanted to honor them.

An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or a spouse of National Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriotic Employer Award for their support provided directly to the nominating Servicemember and his or her family. The Patriotic Employer 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.

Snare commented that “Jeff Geigel, Chief Sales Officer, my immediate supervisor, is a fantastic boss and an even better human being. Jeff’s compassion to support my family during my military duties is something I truly appreciate. Jeff continually states, “We at Starkey, are fully committed to support you and your military obligations.” Jeff demonstrates support by helping me manage my family stressors derived from military duties. Jeff makes sure my family is taken care of first, and then says “The work will follow.” Jeff’s actions are exemplified by asking, “Are you taking enough time off?” How can I help?” Thanks Mr. Geigel.”

Regarking Kyle Acherhe he stated “he is a superb Vice president of Sales, one of the best I have ever served with. Mr. Acker has continuously fostered an environment that supports my high military commitments: Exercise Planning Conferences, Ulchi Freedom Shield 2023, Individual ITraining Exercise/Global Medic 23/234. This support allows flexibility, in order to work in remote sites, meeting both military and civilian commitments. Further, Mr. Acker accepts my suggestions, appreciates my military perspective and background, which makes me feel as a valued employee.”
Regarding Rachele Orsini he stated she” is a teammate and is the best I have ever served with. Mrs. Orsini continuously fosters an environment of which supports my high military commitment: Exercise Planning Conferences, Ulchi Freedom Shields – South Korea, Individual conference/Trainings, and Combat Support Training Exercises. This support allows me flexibility via working remote, meeting both military and civilian commitments. Further, Mrs. Orsini appreciated my military perspective and background, and accepts my suggestions which ultimately makes me feel valued as Starkey employee.”
Regarding Alla Livshitz he stated she “is a brilliant Commercial Development Director, sacrificing a great deal of personal time to understand my military obligations. Mrs. Livshitz unwavering dedication to understanding my military stressors, demonstrates exemplary character of professionalism. We need more Mrs. Livshitz as this would make more military members feel comfortable to support both organizations, rather than having to decide between organizations. Thanks Alla!”

In addition to receiving a Patriotic Employer Award, Jeff Geigel, Kyle Acher, Rachele Orsini, and Alla Livshitz, signed a Statement of Support of the Guard and Reserve, 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 work
    Force and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
  • We will continually recognize and support our country & service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

Also present was Tom Haugo, 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:
Tom Haugo - MN ESGR volunteer, Kyle Acker, Rachele Orsini, Alla Livshitz, and LTC Dustin Snare.
Greg Geigel was on assignment in Europe.
(Photo courtesy of Starkey Laboratories, Inc)

Posted in: Minnesota
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