N ELK RIVER, Minn. – Army National Guard Capt. Terra McGillivray presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her employment supervisor, Jordan Johnson. The award was given on Feb. 5 at Vision Transportation in recognition of Jordan’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard.

Terra was very appreciative of Jordan’s support and assistance with her drill weekends, Annual Training and schooling requirements. Terra was especially appreciative of Jordan’s flexibility so she could maintain her flight hours and select routes that allowed her to spend quality time with her young son.

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 service member 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 presenting a Patriot Award, Jordan 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 were Bob Boone and John Briegel as Minnesota ESGR Committee members. 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 left to right: John Breigel, Jordan Johnson and Capt. Terra McGillivray (Photo courtesy of Bob Boone)