Woodbury Minn. - The Minnesota ESGR Committee recently awarded the Patriot Award to Salon Bambino's Crystal Sullivan. ESGR Ombudsman Everett Doolittle presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to Crystal Sullivan, her supervisor, and the owner of Salon Bambino on April 4th, 2025. Her nominator, Army Sgt. Aydon Hinnenkamp expressed in her award submission how outstanding and supportive Sullivan was in going above and beyond in demonstrating how proud, supportive, and flexible she was for Aydon’s obligations to the Minnesota National Guard. Hiinenkamp said she greatly appreciated this support while she was previously deployed. Crystal kept in contact with her and sent her care packages, and this helped to keep up her spirit during those times.

Service members 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. 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.

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 Owner of Salon Bambino, Crystal Sullivan