MILACA, Minn. – Carrie Overby was honored with the Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award in Milaca. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Stiller of the Minnesota Army National Guard recommended Overby for the award to express his sincere thanks for Carrie’s support. The award was given on Jan. 5 at one of the Milaca Volunteers of America group homes in recognition of Carrie’s support of Jonathan’s service to the Minnesota National Guard.

Jonathan was very appreciative of her support and assistance of Jonathan’s service and especially of his current deployment and wanted to honor Carrie. Jonathan noted in his write-up that Carrie has always been accommodating of his drill and other training duties. He further stated that she has been exceptionally supportive during his current deployment. This is exemplified through the sending of care packages with requested items, texting and doing facetime calls. Carrie noted that she and her team are extremely proud of Jonathan and his service. She further explained that during his deployment Jonathan has been part of a team that has opened four hospitals that had been closed.

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 Patriotic Employer Award for 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.

In addition to receiving a Patriotic Employer Award, Liz Westrom (Director of Disability Services) signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that Volunteers of America 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.

Liz also committed to discussing ESGR with the senior leadership of Minnesota Volunteers of America at their meeting on January 15,2025.

Also present was Bob Boone, a committee member of the Minnesota ESGR. 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 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 left to right: Bob Boone ESGR and Carrie Overby. SSG Jonathan Stiller was unavailable due to deployment.
(Photo courtesy of Kathy Boone)