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ESGR in the News

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Stillwater Minn. - April 8th, 2025, at Lakeview Hospital EMS dispatch, Stillwater, Minnesota, Sgt. Arrianna Ackerman of the Army National Guard presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to her supervisor, Nicolas Barratt. The award was given to honor him in recognition of his support for her service to the Minnesota National Guard. Sgt. Ackerman stated: “Lakeview EMS has many present and prior military service members from all branches including Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard and she nominated Nicolas for the Patriot Award right after Veterans Day because of his unwavering support for active-duty and veteran employees. At Lakeview, Nicolas and senior leadership continue to demonstrate their appreciation by presenting challenge coins and stars from retired flags as tokens of gratitude. More importantly, he took the time to personally recognize every veteran and service member on our team. He actively supports service members through measures such as flexible scheduling, time off before and after deployment, and assistance for military families. Nicolas has consistently provided this support, ensuring that military personnel at Lakeview have the accommodation they need. I have never had an easier time approaching a supervisor about military-related concerns, and his commitment to service members is evident in every interaction.”

An employee serving in the National Guard or 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.
In addition to receiving a Patriotic Employer Award EMS Director Jon Miller 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 Dr. Everett Doolittle, an ESGR Ombudsman and Minnesota Committee member. ESGR is a 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:
Jasmine Stamp (Specialist Army National Guard), ESGR Everett Doolittle, Sgt. Arrianna Ackerman, Supervisor Nic Barratt, and Director Jon Muller


Posted in: Minnesota
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