MOORHEAD, Minn. – Saad Janjua, a supervisor at Janjua State Farm Insurance & Financial Services, received The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award at its office in Moorhead Jan. 21.

Army National Guard Spc. Gabriel Herrera presented the award to Janjua in recognition of the support he provides to his employee's military service to the Army National Guard. Herrera was very appreciative of Janjua’s ongoing support and assistance during his National Guard deployments.

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.

“While I was away for my Combat Deployment with the 1st of the 188th ADA in support of Operation inherent Resolve,” said Herrera. “My employer Saad Janjua provided me great support here at home. He reached out to my family regularly to check in with them. He reached out to me regularly as well even though I had limited capabilities. He has done everything in his power to help me transition back to civilian life as seamless as possible. By allowing me the flexibility to work with the VA resources. Checking in on me daily. Helping me towards my goals personally and professionally.”

Janjua’s commitment and support to the military resulted in him becoming a volunteer in the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

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 Servicemember and his or her family.

In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Mr. Saad Janjua 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 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 was Lois Robinson, 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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Spc. Gabriel Herrera, Lois Robinson ESGR Region Chair, and Saad Janjua (Photo courtesy of Lois Robinson)