NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, Minn. – Staff Sgt. Nicholas Buchman with the Minnesota Army National Guard presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Jenni Hartman. The award was given Dec. 26 at the United States Post Office in Norwood Young America in recognition of Jenni Hartman’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard.
Buchman was very appreciative of Jenni Hartman’s support and assistance with his Guard deployments and wanted to honor Jenni. An employee serving in the Minnesota National Guard may nominate individual supervisors for the Patriot Award for support provided directly to the nominating Servicemember and his or her family.
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
Buchman stated, “Jenni Hartman provided outstanding support during my personal struggles. Jenni is a supervisor I can always count on to support my service in the Minnesota Army National Guard. She has never wavered in supporting both my service and my emotional well-being. She has been the best supervisor I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Jenni's unwavering commitment to my success, both in military and civilian lives, is truly commendable. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that I have the necessary resources, flexibility, and understanding to fulfill my Guard duties while excelling in my civilian career. Jenni’s continuous support not only fosters a positive work environment, but also reinforces the value and importance of military service. I believe that Jenni’s outstanding efforts and genuine care for my well-being make her a deserving candidate for the Patriot Award.”
In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Jenni Hartman signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming 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.
Also present was Tom Haugo, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member. 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 51 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.
Photo left to right: Tom Haugo-MN ESGR, Jenni Hartman, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Buchman