BIG LAKE, Minn. – Sgt. First Class Shane Lang, Minnesota Army National Guard, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Jeremy Spilde. The award was given July 29 at the Big Lake Metro Transit Commuter Rail facility in recognition of Spilde's support of his employee's service to the National Guard.

Lang was very appreciative of Spilde’s support and assistance with his Guard deployments, and he wanted to honor Spilde. This was Spilde's second receipt of a Patriot Award. Spilde commented that at least 50 percent of the Metro Transit Commuter Rail employees are veterans and he is proud to have them working for him. His company provides many benefits to Guard and Reserve employees and goes Above and Beyond the requirements to assist them with their employment and military duties.

“Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit & NorthStar, support and hire military personnel because they bring exceptional skills, discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic developed through their service,” said Lang. Their diverse experiences and ability to perform under pressure make them valuable assets to our team. Moreover, hiring veterans honors their commitment and sacrifice, fostering a more inclusive and robust workforce.”

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, Jeremy Spilde 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 Robert Adams, 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. ESGR celebrates over 52 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: SFC Shane Lang, Jeremy Spilde, Robert Adams ESGR.
(Photo courtesy of Metro Transit Staff)
Statement of Support Signing Photo: Jeremy Spilde.
(Photo courtesy of Robert Adams)