BEMIDJI, Minn. – Navy Reserve Petty Officer 1st Class Jared Lahti presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Kevin Warne. The award was given recently at the Beltrami County MIS Department in recognition of his support of his employee's service to the Navy Reserve.

Lahti was very appreciative of Kevin’s support and assistance with his military service and wanted to honor Warne. Lahti stated, “Kevin takes on additional responsibilities while I am serving. These duties and responsibilities are not easy. I am very grateful for his willingness to volunteer and assist while I am serving my military obligations. He takes time to fill me in on things I have missed, ongoing projects, and keeps me up to date on matters that have happen during my absence.”

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, Mr. Kevin Warne 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 Doug Underthun an ESGR Ombudsman/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 left to right: Petty Officer 1st Class Jared Lahti, Kevin Warne, Supervisor Beltrami County MIS, Doug Underthun ESGR Volunteer (Photo courtesy of Doug Underthun)