GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award was presented to Sue Holum, a supervisor at Orion Corporation. Holum was nominated by Spc. Jayden Swenson of the Minnesota Army National Guard. Frederick Godec Region II ESGR presented the award Feb. 29.

Holum supported her employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Swenson was very appreciative of her support and assistance with her service or Guard deployments and wanted to honor her.

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 receiving a Patriot Award, Sue Holum signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the Orion company joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment 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.

Photo left to right:
Patriot Award nominator Spc. Jayden Swenson, recipient Sue Holum, and Minnesota ESGR Region II Chair Frederick Godec