Minneapolis, Minn. - Staff Sergeant Kory Southwind United States Army Reserve (USAR) presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his supervisor Minneapolis Park Police Sgt. Katherine Cannon. The award was given during a meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners on February 19, 2025 in recognition of Cannon’s support for her employee’s service in the USAR. Staff Sgt. Southwind is with the 1-340th TS BN located at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He has a combined 11 years of military service in the Marine Corps and Army Reserves and has been deployed twice. In nominating Cannon, Staff Sgt. Southwind expressed his appreciation for her support of his service and flexibility to meet his military obligations.

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.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioners expressed their appreciation with a round of applause to Staff Sgt. Southwind for his service and Cannon for her support.

Also present was John Kingrey, an ESGR 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 Servicemembers 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: John Kingrey, Police Sgt. Katherine Cannon, and Army Staff Sgt. Kory Southwind (Photo courtesy of Kory Southwind).