SPOKANE, Wash. – Jeremy Dierks, owner of Perfection Tire, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Jim Wynee, east area chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Dierks was nominated by Washington Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Emmanual Rodriquez, a technician at Perfection Tire. “My supervisor is a great supporter of the armed forces and shows it by facilitating armed forces members’ service,” said Rodriquez. “I get time off to attend Drill and still get paid for absent time. He is always supportive of missions even when we are called in short notice. I have volunteered for extra activities like the ‘Trunk or Treat’ and he facilitated leaving work early to attend the event.”

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Wynne. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

“I would like to thank you and the United States Army National Guard for your contribution to my business with Emmanuel Rodriguez,” said Dierks during the award presentation. “He [Rodriguez] is an exemplary employee and has been a great addition to my team here at perfection tire downtown. His work ethic, attitude, dependability and leadership skills have been instrumental in the success of my business and I have the United States Army Nation Guard to thank. I am flattered and grateful for the recognition shown to me but, I really think the gratitude should go to you.”

At the award presentation Dierks also signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms that Perfection Tire 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.
“Perfection Tire joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Wynne. “By signing the Statement of Support, Perfection Tire is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.
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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.

Pictured: Jeremy Dierks (right), owner of Perfection Tire, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Jim Wynee, east area chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Dierks was nominated by Washington Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Emmanual Rodriquez (left), a technician at Perfection Tire.