BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Navy Reserve Master Chief Petty Officer Douglas Witherington presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Bhom Phetchantho Feb. 16 at the Skywater Technology facility in Bloomington.

The award was presented in recognition of Phetchantho’s unwavering support of his service to the United States Navy Reserve. Witherington was very appreciative of the support and assistance with his Navy Reserve deployments and wanted to honor Phetchantho.

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.

An Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support was signed 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, Minnesota ESGR Employer Outreach Director and a 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 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.

Photo left to right: Bhom Phetchantho, James Finley (Photo courtesy of Skywater Technology)