BEMIDJI, Minn. – Army National Guard Warrant Officer Reed Pritchard is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Robert Murray.
The award was given on Dec. 1 at the Murray Surveying Inc. in recognition of Robert’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota Army Reserve National Guard. Reed was very appreciative of Robert’s support and assistance with his State Active-Duty service and his military deployments and wanted to honor Robert Murray. Also, present was Doug Underthun an ESGR Minnesota Committee member.
Reed Pritchard stated, “being called to duty on a short notice for both State Active Duty and a Federal deployment to Washington DC, Robert Murray has been outstandingly supportive. Belonging to a construction unit we drill three [3] days a month in the summer and Robert has never questioned me being gone on Fridays. As the only person working in the office, he has filled in for me during my many military service commitments instead of hiring a replacement. Robert has put in more of his own time to ensure Koochiching County’s assets and customers were well taken care of in my absence. Robert, as a prior military member, has been the most supportive employer I have ever had in both military and personal support. He makes sure my job will always be available when I return from military duty and most deserving of this award.”
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.
In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Robert Murray signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the Murray Surveying, Inc. 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: Robert Murray, Doug Underthun (Photo courtesy of Doug Underthun)