WOODBURY, Minn. – Spc. Serenity Schaefer of the Army National Guard presented the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her supervisor Kathryn Haas of HealthPartners Dec. 21.
Ms. Haas did not know she was getting the award until she joined the meeting and Schaefer expressed how much she appreciates this support. Schaefer stated that she did not always get this support within other companies she had worked for and was sometimes even met with anger when she had military obligation. She stated Katie (Haas) and many throughout HealthPartners always went far above and beyond in making sure she could meet her service obligation and never made her feel she was a burden. In fact, she stated that HealthPartners staff made her feel she was greatly appreciated. At that time Amy Walton, RN, Clinic Manager emphasized just how proud she was of Serenity and Haas and then signed a “Statement of Support”. An Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirms that the company 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 country's service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.
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. Picture#1: Pictured from left to right below are: Spc. Serenity Schaefer, EMT, Katie Haas, RN, Care Delivery Supervisor, ESGR Everett Doolittle Amy Walton, RN, Clinic Manager Photo#2 Signing of Statement of Support Spc. Serenity Schaefer, EMT, Katie Haas, RN, Care Delivery Supervisor, Amy Walton, RN, Clinic Manager