Wilmar Minn. - Staff Sgt. Austin Towne presented the Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award to his supervisors Jay Reuss and Trina Reuss at Motor Sports of Willmar in Willmar, MN. The award was given on March 24, 2025 at Motor Sports of Willmar in recognition of their support of their employee’s service to the Minnesota National Guard. Austin stated that both Jay and Trina are very supportive of his military duties and when it comes time for him to put on the uniform and need time off for training, they are very supportive. An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or a spouse of a National Guard or Military Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriot Award for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to an after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. In addition to receiving a Patriot Award they both 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 crisis and in war. Also present was Ron Muehlbauer, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member, and Doug Broich ESGR Region Chair. 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 celebrates 52 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: Ron Muehlbauer ESGR, Trina Reuss, Staff Sgt. Austen Towne, Jay Reuss and Doug Broich ESGR Area Chair