OSSEO, Minn. – Minnesota Army National Guard Spc. Taylor Councilman presented to Lisa Sjogren, a coordinator of instructional support, and Kim Haugo, a library media specialist, the ESGR Patriot Award.

Sjogren and Haugo were nominated by Councilman, who is also an educational support professional with Osseo School District 279. 

Councilman nominated Sjogren and Haugo for their dedication to their jobs and the support and encouragement they provide her, even when she is away at basic training or in the middle of her college finals. According to Councilman, both Sjogren and Haugo have made the transition from deployment life to civilian work much easier, and she wanted to thank them with this award. 

“While I am away on leave, Lisa always checks up on me and keeps me in the loop with work. Every day that a problem comes up, I can always count on Kim to help me to a solution. Kim loves to ask questions about the military life that most people don’t care enough to hear,” Councilman said. 

ESGR is a Department of Defense program which seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.  

Photo: Left to Right, Spc. Taylor Councilman, Lisa Sjogren and Kim Haugo. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Sjogren)

For more information on the Patriot Award, visit the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve website.