WELLS, Minn, - Command Sgt. Maj. Major Pierre Stencel, 12th Engineer Battalion, 104th Regiment, United States Army Reserves (USAR) presented an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to his employer supervisor, Superintendent Taylor Topinka of the United South Central School District.
The award was given on Dece.17 at a USC school board meeting in recognition of Taylor’s support of his employees' service in the USAR. Pierre wrote, “Mr. Topinka is deserving of the Patriotic Employer Award for his unwavering support of military members and their families. He consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the values of patriotism and service by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. His dedication to accommodating the unique needs of military personnel, whether through flexibility, understanding, or active encouragement, exemplifies the spirit of this award. Mr. Topinka’s leadership and compassion have made a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve, making him truly deserving of this recognition." 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 Patriotic Employer Award for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. The Patriotic Employer 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 Patriotic Employer Award, Taylor signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that the United South Central School District 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 from left to right: Paul Ragatz, Taylor Topinka, CSM Pierre Stencel (Photo courtesy of Paul Ragatz)