Rochester Minn. - Pamela Stokes, Michelle Coy, and Michele Asche were recently honored with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award for their exceptional support of Cpt. Yanna Horsch, a cardiac ICU nurse at the Mayo Clinic - St. Mary's Campus. Cpt. Horsch serves in the Minnesota Air National Guard. The award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support to members of the National Guard or Reserve. Recognition and awards originate from online nominations completed by Reservists and Guardsmen themselves.
Horsch has been a flight nurse with the 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron since 2020. She has undergone multiple trainings and completed two combat tours — the first to the Middle East in 2022 and the second to Africa in 2023 and 2024.
The award was presented on Oct. 9 by James Kelzenberg, a volunteer with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and came as a surprise to the nurses.
The Patriot Award, the first in Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's series of awards, honors supervisors for supporting service members in various ways, including providing flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
"Too often the military member is highlighted when, in reality, the mission would never have been executed without the support of all the people who stand behind the person in uniform," Horsch says. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to highlight the outstanding support I've always received from my leadership team.”
Read what Horsch had to say about the meaningful ways each of her colleagues supported her military career in her nominations below:
Pam Stokes, nurse manager
"In addition to accommodating my extended leaves, she supports my day-to-day requirements of flying and training multiple times a month with the squadron. Every request I've had to make due to military requirements has been met with grace, understanding and support. She ensures I never feel guilt for having to request time away, but rather sees it and pushes me to see it as an honor to support our nation's military."
Michelle Coy, nurse education specialist
"Michelle has supported me through two deployments, multiple trainings and temporary assignments. Each time I returned to the unit, she was patient and helped me get back on my feet. Michelle has also had to deal with finding replacements to teach the courses I teach for other nursing staff and reassigning preceptors to train new nurses that I had been assigned to train. Every time I advise her of my military requirements, she handles the adjustments with grace."
Michele Asche, clinical nurse specialist
"Having Michele as one of my supervisors has been a great source of comfort and support because I know she has my back. During my first deployment, when I flew a U.S. flag on a combat mission in recognition of the unit, she and my other managers had the flag and certificate framed and hung it in the hospital. She goes out of her way to ensure I am recognized and supported for my service."
About Employer Support of Guard and Reserve
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 left to right: Michelle Coy, Michele Asche, Cpt. Yanna Horsch, James Kelzenberg ESGR, Pam Stokes (Photo courtesy of Mayo Clinic)