ST CLOUD, Minn. – Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee member Byron Nelson presented the ESGR Above and Beyond Award to Design Electric. The award was presented March 28 at Design Electric’s home office in St Cloud for above and beyond support of their employee Staff Sgt. Jack Taufen.

Receiving the Above and Beyond Award for Design Electric was Nick Bischoff, Design Electric President and Jim Schoon, Vice President of Commercial Construction with Taufen who recommended his employer for a Patriot Award while deployed for the Minnesota National Guard.

The Above and Beyond Award is given in limited numbers by ESGR 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. Only thirty businesses were selected to receive this prestigious award from the hundreds of Patriot Award nominations received in Minnesota honoring their employees’ service in the United States military by providing assistance or benefits that go beyond the minimum required by the Uniform Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserves 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: Jim Schoon, Staff Sgt. Jack Taufen, Nick Bischoff and Byron Nelson (Photo courtesy of Byron Nelson).