WASECA, Minn. –United States Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Colton Neisen nominated his employer supervisor, Melissa Warner for an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. The award was given on Sept. 23 at Itron Inc. in recognition of Melissa’s support of her employees’ service in the Army Reserve. Incidentally this is Melissa’s second Patriot Award, her first was presented in 2023.

“Melissa Warner has been the best supervisor one could ask for as a current service member,” said Colton. “I have been in the Army since 2019 and I have never had a supervisor so willing to work with me to meet my service obligations. This includes, but it is not limited to, allowing me to make up a drill on short notice and complete readiness tasks so I can attend Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in the near future. She also has another service member on her staff who regularly has to go to another state for his drill. She always accommodates us in these scenarios such that we never have to worry. She goes above and beyond what is asked of her and sets the highest standard for what other employers should look to when supporting their current serving employees.”

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 service member 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, Melissa signed Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that Itron, Inc. 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 Paul Ragatz, 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. This year, ESGR celebrates 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: Melissa Warner, Paul Ragatz

(Photo courtesy of Paul Ragatz)

* Colton is not pictured because he had recently completed his internship at Iron, Inc. and had moved out of state for USAR and employment reasons.