Stewartville, Minn.– Army Sgt Justin Reinking, Minnesota National Guard presented his Employer Blue Ox Transport INC., with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award on 28 March 2025. The award was presented to his employment supervisor, Daniel Mish during a short ceremony at a local Veterans Memorial in Stewartville, Minnesota. Reinking was very appreciative of the support and assistance with his National Guard service and deployments and wanted to honor Blue Ox Transport INC.

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. 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.

Mike Johnson, Operations Manager for Blue Ox, 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 James Finley, Minnesota ESGR Employer Outreach Director. 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: Mike Johnson, Army Staff Sgt Zane Pepel, James Finley, Sgt Justin Reinking and Daniel Mish (Supervisor/Awardee). (Photo courtesy of Sgt Justin Reinking).