Bloomington Minn. - Sergeant Andrew Ross, Minnesota Army National Guard, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his employment supervisor, Andrew Walser. The award was given on 21 January 2025 at the Walser Automotive Group in recognition of Andrew Walser’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Andrew Ross was very appreciative of Andrew Walser’s support and assistance with his service or Guard deployments and wanted to honor Andrew Walser. 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.
Andrew Ross wrote: “I am pleased to recommend Andrew Walser, CEO Walser Automotive Group, for the ESGR Patriot Award in recognition of the unwavering support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Under Andrew’s leadership, Walser has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring and supporting our service members.
Andrew has fostered a culture that values the unique skills and sacrifices of military personnel offering flexible work schedules, job security, and full support during deployments. Andrew has gone above and beyond by ensuring that employees who serve in the Guard and Reserves are able to focus on their duties without the concern of losing their civilian employment. This commitment to our national defense and the well-being of service members makes Andrew a true advocate for the military community.
In addition to implementing supportive polices, Andrew has consistently recognized the importance of maintaining an inclusive workplace that honors those who serve. They have demonstrated leadership through ongoing communication with military employees to ensure their needs are met and have actively participated in community programs that support veterans and active-duty leadership that honors those who serve. Andrew’s dedication to supporting service members aligns with the core values of the ESGR Patriot Award, making them an exemplary candidate for this prestigious recognition. It is my honor to nominate Andrew for this award as their leadership and advocacy have made a lasting, positive impact on both Walser and the broader military community”.
Andrew Walser signed an ESGR 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 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 countrys 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. 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: Tom Haugo MN ESGR, Dayna Kleve, Andrew Walser CEO, SGT Andrew Ross MNARNG, and Sherry Schultz.