Isanti, Minn. – Army Private First Class Jared Bruss presented the Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award to Travis and Tyler Nelson at Brian’s Insulation of Isanti. The award was given May 1 at Brian’s Insulation in recognition of their support of Jared’s service to the Minnesota National Guard.
Jared stated that Travis and Tyler are very supportive of his military duties and when it comes time for him to put on the uniform and need time off for training, Travis and Tyler are very supportive. Jared stated that both Travis and Tyler have, with no questions asked, given him work days off for military duty. He further noted that this was a big relief to him. When Jared has military duty during his normal work schedule Travis and Tyler provide pay differential to offset the economic impact of serving as a Private First Class. Jared concluded his comments by saying both Travis and Tyler have committed to supporting all of his military efforts including any future deployments.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Military Reserve, or a 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 an after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
In addition to receiving a Patriot Award they both 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’s service members and their families, in peace, in crisis and in war.
Also present was Ron Muehlbauer, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member,
and Doug Broich ESGR Region Chair. 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 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: Tyler Nelson. Bob Boone, PFC Jared Bruss, John Briegel, Travis Nelson. Photo provided by Rachel Kytonen- - Isanti-Chisago County Star