SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Army National Guard Spc. Sierra Siefert presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to her manager, Mike Runyon. The award was given Feb. 12 at The Nook in recognition of Mike’s support for her service to the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Siefert is a Field Artillery Crew Member with the 151st Field Artillery located in Ortonville, Minnesota and has been in the National Guard since 2020. In nominating Mike Runyon for the Patriot Award, Siefert thanked Mike and the entire staff of The Nook for their unwavering support for her military commitments. In addition, she praised Mike for his annual commitment to deliver meals to Minnesota National Guard Soldiers in Kuwait

An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve may nominate individual managers 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, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Mike Runyon signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support, confirming that The Nook 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 John Kingrey, Minnesota ESGR 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 Servicemembers and their employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Spc. Sierra Siefert, Mike Runyon and John Kingrey ESGR
(Photo courtesy of The Nook)