MANKATO, Minn. – Cmdr. Travis Thul, Sector Northern Great Lakes, United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR), presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his employer supervisor, President Edward Inch. The award was given on Feb. 3 at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in recognition of Inch’s support of his employees' service to the USCGR.

Thul was very appreciative of Inch’s support and assistance with his USCGR service and wanted to honor President Inch.

“My supervisor is the President of Minnesota State University, Mankato,” said Thul. “Having started at MSU in July, it was terrifying to have been involuntarily recalled to active duty just two and a half months later. This apprehension was compounded by the three days' notice given by the Coast Guard to begin travel in support of the responses to hurricanes Helene and Milton. Although worried that this inopportune deployment would reflect poorly on me, President Inch was nothing short of emphatic in his support. He worked to ensure schedules were rearranged, authorized the cabinet for maximum nimbleness to support my mission at the university, and was personally gracious in offering anything I needed. Beyond taking a lead in facilitating support, he was also able to relate to the importance of humanitarian operations. Having volunteered for humanitarian work during the Yugoslavian wars himself, he appreciates the work service members, other government organizations (OGAs), and volunteers do when our fellow humans need help the most. Although I would rather have not put my new employer into this position, especially so early on in my career here, the President’s support has meant the world to me. I will further attest that his support ensured that military leave, pay differential, and other benefits were never in question.”

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 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, President Inch signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that Minnesota State University, Mankato 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 Paul Ragatz and Steven Cox, ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee members. 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 from left to right: Steven Cox ESGR, Paul Ragatz ESGR, President Edward Inch, Capt. Travis Thul.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Ragatz)