Becker Minn. - Patti Merry, spouse of Minnesota Army National Guard member, Army Master Sgt. Kelsey Merry, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to her employment supervisor, Sue Hiltner. The award was given April 22nd at the Becker Early Childhood Family Education Center in recognition of Hiltner's support of her employment while her spouse was deployed. Patti was very appreciative of Hiltner's support and assistance for her and wanted to honor Hiltner.

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.

Merry stated that: “Sue has gone above and beyond for my family during this school year. During pre deployment she was able to move meetings around so that I could attend a Military event. When my husband left she and other staff members had all of my students make me cards and bought me a patriotic blanket. This meant so much to me to have such amazing support by my co-workers.”

Merry also commented: “She has been so understanding of the hardships and unique lifestyle that comes with military families. My son was in a car accident and she was incredibly supportive for me to leave work to attend to my family crisis. She believes in family first. This is a huge quality that is amazing when it comes to being a military family. I am so very grateful for all of the love and support given to me and by my family that has been provided by Sue. It is truly remarkable to have an amazing boss that is so kind, supportive, and caring to all of her staff. She is truly deserving of this amazing award.”

In addition to receiving a Patriotic Employer Award, Sue Heltner signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the school 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 countrys service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

Also present was Bob Adams, an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member. 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.
Award photo left to right: Patti Merry, Sue Heltner, Bob Adams ESGR
(Photo courtesy of Jen Johnson)
Statement of Support photo: Sue Heltner and Patti Merry.
(Photo courtesy of Bob Adams ESGR)