BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Brandon Bolhouse presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his Division Director, David Harrison at The TORO Company (TTC). The award was presented recently at the The TORO Company’s Headquarters Campus in Bloomington at a large celebration and recognition event.
The event was attended by 40-50 fellow employees and management on-site, and 25 more via CCTV. In addition, Mr. Harrison’s family was invited to join the award presentation. Major Brandon Bolhouse was very appreciative of Harrison’s “continuous support and assistance with his Military service and deployments,” and wanted to honor David with this Patriotic Employer Award.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or the spouse of a National Guard or Military Reserve member, 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. In addition to the presentation of the Patriot Award, THE TORO COMPANY 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 James Finley, MN ESGR Employer Outreach Director, and 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 over 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 1 left to right: Kevin Carpenter, Maj. Brandon Bolhous, David Harrison, Jim Finley Photo 2 left to right: Jim Finley, David Harrison, Maj. Brandon Bolhous (Photos courtesy of “The TORO Company”)