HONOLULU – Sal St. Germain, Sean Enomoto, and Shad Matsumoto each received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award June 23 for the extraordinary support they provide to their employees serving in the Air Force Reserve.
The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units. By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense. Staff Sgt. Andrew Ching nominated St. Germain and Enomoto. He expressed St. Germain, “is very understanding of my duty. He is prior service Navy and respects when I have to report. He has assured me that my military service should not come in the way of my civilian career and even communicates with me when I am away on military duty.” Ching also explained that Enomoto, “has taken it upon himself to learn more about the rights of me being a service member. Sean has never given me any grief on my military duty and has always assured me everything will be ok while I am away.” Master Sgt. Mario Visitacion nominated Matsumoto and mentioned he, “provided amazing support as a work leader to transition into military duty and transition back into civilian workforce.” ESGR is a Department of Defense program 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/HI.