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ESGR in the News

14

AUSTIN, Minn. – Army National Guard Sgt. Moo Taw, with Mankato RSP, presented an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his employer supervisor Phuong Hoang, of Quality Pork Products in Austin, Minnesota. The award was given Jan. 10 Taw’s workplace in support of Hoang’s support of Sgt Taw’s service in the Army National Guard.

Taw wrote of the many great accolades of his supervisor’s support when Sgt Taw was gone for his role as an ARNG member.

“I work as a Process Control member for Quality Pork Processor’s, and when I need to be gone, whether for my regular drill or state active duty, my supervisor will fill in for me when I need to be gone for military duties,” said Taw. “During this time, he works extra hours and does not complain. He does this extra work for me willingly and without complaint, even though it means he may need to come in earlier or times stays later than he normally does. Phuong is also supportive when it is vacation time, he checks in to be sure I have been allowed to take vacation, this is because there is not always someone available to take my place – he will cover my position while I am gone. When we get new employees, Phoung is very good at checking on them during the day to ensure that they are doing okay and learning how to do their job. Phoung is a model of leadership that I would want to be’.
Any 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 Patriotic Employer Award for support provided directly to the nomination service member 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.

In addition to receiving a Patriotic Employer Award, Supervisor Hoang signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statements of Support, confirming that Quality Pork Producers 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 were many of Sgt Taw’s co-workers, as well as Trish Gathje, an ESGR Volunteer. 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 aids in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates 53 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 from left to right: Sgt. Moo Taw and Phuong Hoang.
Photo 2: Mr. Hoang Signing Statement of Support.
(Photos courtesy of Trish Gathje)

 

Posted in: Minnesota
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