EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Minnesota National Guard Spc. Santiago Dommer, presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Andrew Berg. The award was given on Sept. 14 at Options Exteriors in recognition of his employer's support of his employee's service with the Minnesota National Guard.

Santiago was very appreciative of his employer’s support and assistance with his military service and Guard deployments and wanted to honor Andrew Berg. An employee serving in the National Guard or

Military Reserve members 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.

Santiago wrote: “This award is for my employer Andrew Berg. The support and flexibility he provided while I was servicing or deployed was truly incredible. Andrew provided time off for drill and annual training with ease without loss of pay or position. He provided a coworker to cover my work tasks while on weekend drill or annual training. Andrew has always been incredibly supportive of my service and his commitment to me over my most recent absence has compelled me to make this nomination. Andrew’s unwavering commitment to my success, both in my military and civilian lives, is truly commendable. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that I have the necessary resources, flexibility, and understanding to fulfill my Guard duties while excelling in my civilian career. Andrew’s continuous support not only fosters a positive work environment, but also reinforces the value and importance of military service. I believe that Andrew’s outstanding efforts and genuine care for my well-being make him a deserving candidate for the Patriot Award.”

In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Andrew 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 & service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

Also present was Tom Haugo, 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:

Tom Haugo (ESGR), Andrew Berg, and SPC Santiago Dommer

Statement of Support signing photo Andrew Berg.