Camp Ripley Minn. - The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award was presented to Scott Wright, Todd County Sheriff Jail Administrator, by Col. Troy Fink, Base Commander of Camp Ripley, on behalf of ESGR on April 11, 2025 at the Educational Center of the Camp Ripley National Guard Facility in recognition of Wright's outstanding support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves. Also present was Jack Grams Awards Director ESGR, Specialist Gariel Rittenour and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett. There was a large group of ESGR volunteers, employers and military personnel present in the event also. Rittenour was very appreciative of Wright’s support and assistance with his military deployments and wanted to honor Wright.

Gabriel said, “Scott has always worked with my schedule and my military obligations with the 34th Military Police Company. Because of Scott, I have never had a conflict between work and my military obligations. Scott values my military training and enables me to share my knowledge with co-workers through formal police training events.”

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.

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: Jack Grams Awards Director ESGR, Scott Wright, Col. Troy Fink, Spec. Gabriel Rittenour, and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett.
(Photo courtesy of Larry Helzene)






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