FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – Army National Guard Sgt. Anastacia Hermes is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her employment supervisor, Reed Reinbold. The award was given on December 1, 2023 at the Ottertail County Sheriff’s Office in recognition of Reed’s support of her service to the Minnesota National Guard.
Anastacia was very appreciative of Reed’s support and assistance with her military service and military deployments and wanted to honor Reed. Also, present was Ron Lindgren an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member.
Hermes stated, “I had been employed at the Ottertail County Sheriff’s Office for just over a month when I left for a twelve (12) month state-side mobilization. Everybody at the agency, from Sheriff Fitzgibbons and Chief Deputy Reinbold to deputies I had met a few times, were incredibly supportive of my military service from the start. Chief Deputy Reinbold checked in with me several times during the mobilization, stayed on top of my state licensing so I did not have to contend with an expired license upon return. He made sure I was taking time for myself before and after mobilization rather than pushing me to return to work for the sake of the agency.”
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. This year, ESGR celebrates over 50 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Chief Deputy Reed Reinbold signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the Ottertail County Sheriff’s Office joins other employers in pledging they fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Photo left to right: Ron Lindgren, Chief Deputy Reed Reinbold, Sgt. Anastacia Hermes (Photo courtesy of Ron Lindgren)