WOODBURY, Minn. – National Guard Spc. Oisin Wachholz presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor Jeremy Bailey, who works as a recreation specialist with the City of Woodbury recently. Wachholz stated, this award was in recognition of Jeremy’s above and beyond support of his military service and he found this award as a way of honoring such support.

Wachholz wanted to also mention the great support Joe Vaughan and others have given him while working within the Recreation Department. Oisin stated his twin sister is also a member of the National Guard, she also works for the City of Woodbury, and they both greatly appreciate those that support our military.

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.

Woodbury Recreation Manager Reed Smidt signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the city 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 ESGR Ombudsman Everett Doolittle. 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 1: Presenting the ESGR Patriot Award from left to right, Jeremy Bailey, ESGR Everett Doolittle, Spc. Oisin Wachholz, and Joe Vaughan
Photo 2: The signing of the “Statement of Support” by The City of Woodbury’s Recreation Manager Reed Smidt.