MINNEAPOLIS – National Guard Sgt. Cierra McClain presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her supervisor Shari LaFavre, the president of Interim Healthcare Staffing recently.

McClain stated this award is in recognition of the continued support she has received throughout Interim Healthcare Staffing as they have always gone far above and beyond in making her military service appreciated and supported and that she found this award a way of honoring such support. Clearly displayed, was a prior ESGR Patriot Award along with a previously signed ESGR Statement of Support among other prior awards the company have received. Being a member of the National Guard, such support greatly assisted McClain in completing her goal of becoming a nurse. McClain stated she had just passed her nursing boards, and everyone vigorously cheered her success by recognizing and celebrating her accomplishment and service to her Country.

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, the president of Interim Healthcare Staffing Shari LaFavre signed another Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. She then had all present join a group photo to illustrate the support throughout the organization thus confirming that they join 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 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: Statement of Support ESGR Everett Doolittle, Sergeant Cierra McClain, and President Shari LaFavre in the front row and other members of Interim Healthcare Staffing proudly joining in.


Photo: Presenting the ESGR Patriot Award from left to right was Sergeant Cierra McClain and President Shari LaFavre.