DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – Spc. Max Woodard presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award to Essentia Health of Saint Mary’s. The award was given recently at the Essentia Health Saint Mary’s in recognition of Essentia Health's support of its military employees’ service to the Minnesota National Guard and Reserves.

Trevor Fett, as a supervisor of the Essentia Health of Saint Mary’s has shown that his employer has gone above and beyond what is necessary time and time again and places service to this country on the highest regard one could hold. No matter the time of year, circumstances, or conditions, Essential Health completely devotes resources and time towards accommodating military member’s service and making sure they are able to perform their duties in any and all capacity.

This award is given in limited numbers by State Committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors/managers recognized with a Patriot Award and who have signed an ESGR Statement of Support. This award will be given to only 30 businesses this year, from hundreds of Patriot Award nominations received in Minnesota, that have honored their employees’ service in the United States military by providing assistance or benefits that go beyond the minimum required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA).

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: U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Bridget Auch, Minnesota ESGR Region Chair Lois Robinson, Security Officer Trevor Fett, and Operations Senior Vice President Tanner Goodrich (Photo courtesy of Region Chair Lois Robinson)