Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Rayan Wilson presented the ESGR Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Buffalo’s Fire Department Chief John Harnois. The award was given recently at the main Buffalo fire station in recognition of Chief Harnois's support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard.

Sgt. Wilson was very appreciative of Chief Harnois's support and assistance with his military service and Guard deployments and wanted to honor him. "I am incredibly fortunate to have a Chief who understands the sacrifices I make as an active-duty military member and provides unwavering support. He accommodates extra training days on my military days off and has allowed me to attend trainings outside the Buffalo Fire Department so that I can stay current. I'm inspired by a Chief who sees my military service as an asset and consistently encourages my growth and development, both as a servicemember and as a firefighter.”

In addition to receiving a Patriot Award, Chief Harnois signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. Also present was Robert Adams, an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member.

In the photo from left to right are Sgt. Jared Sands, Nick Janey, Marine Veteran, Sgt. Wilson, Chief Harnois, 1st Lt. Mark Schmit and Robert Adams.

Spc. Serenity Schaefer of the Army National Guard presented the Department of Defense ESGR Patriot Award to her supervisor Kathryn Haas of HealthPartners Dec. 21 in Woodbury.

Schaefer stated that Haas and many throughout HealthPartners always went far above and beyond in making sure she could meet her service obligation and never made her feel she was a burden. In fact, she stated that HealthPartners staff made her feel she was greatly appreciated. At that time Amy Walton, RN, Clinic Manager emphasized just how proud she was of Schaefer and Haas and then signed a “Statement of Support”.

In the photo from left to right below are Spc. Serenity Schaefer, EMT, Katie Haas, RN, Care Delivery Supervisor, ESGR volunteer Everett Doolittle and Amy Walton, RN, Clinic Manager.

Robert Murray, Murray Surveying Inc, received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony Dec. 1 in Bemidji. Army National Guard Warrant Officer Reed Pritchard nominated Murray for the award. Also, present was Doug Underthun an ESGR Minnesota Committee member.

Pritchard stated, “Robert has been the most supportive employer I have ever had in both military and personal support. He makes sure my job will always be available when I return from military duty and is most deserving of this award.”

Murray also signed an ESGR Statement of Support during the ceremony. In the photo from left to right are Robert Murray and Doug Underthun.

Master Sgt. Mackenzie Johnson of the Air Force Reserve, presented the ESGR Patriot Award to her civilian supervisor, Michelle Dean. The award was given on Dec.12 at the Ramsey County Board meeting in recognition of Dean’s support of Master Sgt. Johnson’s service to the Air Force Reserve.

Master Sgt. Johnson stated that Dean was very accommodating of her deployment, keeping in contact throughout and facilitating a smooth transition back into her position at Ramsey County Public Health. Also present was Chad Sackett, an ESGR Minnesota Committee Chair.

In the photo from left to right are Master Sgt. Johnson, Dean, and Sackett.

Army National Guard Spc. Joshua Cox presented the ESGR Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Derek Chicos. The award was given on Dec. 6 at the C5 Stone Company, a branch of Plaisted Companies, in recognition of Derek’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota Army National Guard.

In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Jack Holler, Compliance Officer, signed an ESGR Statement of Support. Also present were Minnesota ESGR Committee members Bob Boone and John Briegel.

In the photo from left to right are John Briegel, Derek Chicos and Spc. Joshua Cox.

Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Chair Tom Simonet turned over leadership of the committee to Chad Sackett in October. Sackett began volunteering with Minnesota ESGR in 2021, becoming the Region 4 chair and state vice chair in 2022.

"I am honored at the opportunity to serve with an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers in supporting Minnesota reserve military members' service to our communities, state and nation,” said Sackett. “The ESGR program allows me to stay connected to the military and follow my passion for those who serve. I would recommend volunteering with ESGR to anyone who feels the same."

Simonet served as the chair since 2017.

“We have dedicated volunteers, said Simonet. “I was lucky to be their chair. I watched them excel as an organization and constantly strive to improve the services to our Guard and Reserve members and their employers. Personally, I see us as a top 5 committee when comparing us to the other 54 state and territory committees. Our motto is true, We Serve Minnesota.”

In the photo from the left are Tom Simonet and Chad Sackett.

Mortenson Construction supervisor Ellie Domich received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Golden Valley. Domich was nominated by Air Force Reserve Staff Sgt. Diana Morales-Carlson of the 934th Airlift Wing.

David Mortenson, Mortenson chairman, praised both the supervisor and the service member for exemplifying the patriotic family culture at Mortenson Construction. Mortenson also signed an ESGR Statement of Support after the Patriot Award was presented.

Photo 1 from left to right: Ellie Domich (HR Service Center Supervisor), Staff Sgt. Diana Morales-Carlson (HR Coordinator), and Jack Grams (ESGR).
Photo 2: David Mortenson signing ESGR Statement of Support.

Minnesota Army National Guard Spc. Ross Ruder presented an ESGR Patriot Award to Bob Simpson his supervisor and Plant Manager at Louisiana-Pacific Corp. Sept. 26. Also present was Doug Broich who is the Minnesota ESGR Region 3 Chair.

The award was given to Simpson for his support of his employee’s service to the Minnesota Army National Guard. Ruder said that Simpson went out of his way to ensure that his needs were met both before and after his annual training.

In the photo from left to right are Specialist Ruder, Bob Simpson and Doug Broich.

Brent Buchan, Energy Products & Design, Inc., received the ESGR Patriot Award Sept. 19 in Rochester. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jay Faber nominated Buchan for the award. Buchan has provided continuous support for Staff Sgt. Faber during his drills, annual training and his deployment to Afghanistan.

Buchan, owner of Energy Products and Design, also signed the Statement of Support of the Guard and Reserve during the ceremony.

In the photo from left to right: Staff Sgt. Faber; Buchan ; and Jim Kelzenberg ESGR Volunteer Region 6.

The 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion conducted a Bosslift for twenty-seven Soldier’s employers Sept. 15. The day started with a Chinook helicopter ride from the Army Aviation Support Facility 1 in St. Paul to Camp Ripley.

The employers visited the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility. At the CACTF employers were briefed by the 334th BEB on their organizational structure, mission capabilities and current training. After the briefings, employers met with their soldiers to have lunch and observe the day’s training which was civil disturbance training. Before the day was over the employers signed 27 Statements of Support for service member rights to employment.

In the photo from left to right: Staff Sgt. Mann and Moez Essajee from Ecolab.

Army National Guard Lt. Col. Gary Diamond presented the ESGR Patriot Award to his supervisor, Woodbury High School Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wager Sept. 9. The award was presented in recognition of Principal Sorenson-Wagner’s support of Diamond's service to the Minnesota National Guard.
Also present was Everett Doolittle an ESGR Ombudsman and Minnesota Committee member.
In the photo left to right: Beth Burch (Woodbury High School), Principal Sarah Sorenson-Wager, and Lt. Col. Gary Diamond

Stephanie Zabel, Vice President of Finance of Cannon Equipment, received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony Aug. 8 in Cannon Falls. Zabel was nominated by Navy Reserve Cmdr. Nathan Neilitz, who is an IT Systems Analyst for Cannon Equipment. Cannon Equipment President Robyn Walker gave remarks, and approximately 30 members of the Cannon Equipment workforce attended the presentation. ESGR Volunteer Christie Nixon presented the award.
Robyn Walker, Cannon Equipment president, also signed a Statement of Support of the Guard and Reserve during the ceremony.
In the photo from the left: Christie Nixon, ESGR; Robyn Walker, Cannon Equipment president; Stephanie Zabul, Cannon Equipment vice-president; and Cmdr. Nathan Neilitz.

The Minnesota ESGR recognized ten Minnesota employers of military personnel for going above and beyond in supporting those who serve our nation during a ceremony July 28 in Rochester.
Jack Grams, Ombudsman and Awards Director for the Minnesota ESGR was the emcee to honor the employers of military families. Presenting the awards was Tom Simonet, Minnesota ESGR Committee State Chairman, and Jim Finley, Minnesota ESGR Committee Employer Outreach Director, and Jim Kelzenberg, ESGR Region 6 Chairman.
The Above and Beyond Award winners were:
Mayo Clinic – nominated by Navy Reserve Lt. Stacy Parker
Knowledge Beginnings – nominated by Minnesota National Guard Spc. Alexis Adler
CHS Eastern Farmers Luverne – nominated by Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Kubeah
Penz Dental Care – nominated by Minnesota National Guard 2nd Lt. Jessica Goodew
LockLeed International – nominated by Minnesota National Guard Sgt. Thomas Lochen
CHS Inc. – nominated by Minnesota Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Nick Ricci
Minnesota Judicial Branch, 3rd Judicial District – nominated by Army Reserve MAJ Corinne Haugen
Donaldson Corp. – nominated by Ryan Just, spouse of Navy Reserve Sailor, Anne Wojdyla
McNeilus Steel – nominated by Jesse Pflaum, spouse to Army National Guard Spc. Elexis Adler

The ESGR prestigious Pro Patria Award was given to:
Mankato Area Public Schools ISD 77 – nominated by Master Sgt. Derek Fennern

The 134th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) conducted an ESGR Bosslift for soldier member employers June 9. The day consisted of a Chinook helicopter ride for all the employers; a tour of the Camp Ripley Combined Maintenance facility; Brigade commander and ESGR Briefings; and a trip to the field to meet with soldiers and observe Mark 19 weapons firing. The employers were given a thorough look at the lives of their service members performing their military duties.

Bob Boone of Minnesota ESGR coordinated the Bosslift and gave the ESGR briefing on the employment rights of the Guard and Reserve service members.

Photo left to right: Kevin Hovet, Kaylee Grim from Wintergreens Golf and Grill and Spc. Malli Stevens from C Company 134th Brigade Support Battalion.

An ESGR Patriot Award and Statement of Support were presented to Xcel Energy in May. Navy Reserve Lt. Samuel Tuttle (deployed) nominated his manager Jay Ilstrup for the award. Tuttle praised the support and guidance of his manager while continuing to serve in the Navy.
At the same presentation, CEO of Xcel Energy Bob Frenzel, continued the extraordinary commitment by signing an ESGR Statement of Support signify the company’s long-standing support to the team members active in our Guard and Reserve services.
“Supportive employers like Xcel Energy are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units and allow them the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind,” said Minnesota ESGR Chair Thomas Simonet.
In the photo from left to right are Bob Frenzel, CEO Xcel Energy; Jay Ilstrup, manager; and Minnesota State Chair Tom Simonet.

Chief Petty Officer Brent Macheel, Navy Reserve, presented the ESGR Patriot Award to his employment supervisor, Melissa Warner May 9 at Iton, Inc. in Waseca.
Brent wrote that “Melissa Warner is very accommodating, supportive, and flexible when it comes to my military service. With her leadership and support, she has single-handedly removed an entire stressor from the equation. In doing so I can focus on my mission and my family.”
In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Melissa Warner signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. Also present was Paul Ragatz, an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member.

Army Reserve Maj. Paul Townsend presented an ESGR Patriot Award to Sarah Vanvleet, at a Pharmacy Department staff meeting at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center April 7. The Minneapolis VAMC’s Chief of Pharmacy, Lisa Anderson, work colleagues, and Minnesota ESGR Committee member Christie Nixon participated in the award presentation.

Townsend expressed his appreciation for Vanvleet’s generosity and helpfulness when he or other Reserve Component workers on the team are called to Reserve duty. He described her as helpful, kind, and an expert at conflict resolution. Chief of Pharmacy, Lisa Anderson, also signed an ESGR Statement of Support during the presentation

In the photo: Maj. Townsend, Sarah Vanvleet, and Christie Nixon.

Nick Gifford, owner of Gifford Fitness, received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony at the fitness center in New Brighton. Sgt. Drew Payne, Minnesota Army National Guard, nominated Gifford for the award. Sgt. Payne, who is currently deployed, participated by Zoom and ESGR Minnesota Committee Member Christie Nixon presented the award to Gifford in person.

In addition to receiving the Patriot Award, Gifford signed an ESGR Statement of Support.

In the photo: Christie Nixon and Nick Gifford.

Byron Miland, Knife River Construction, received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony March 30. Pfc. Tyler Flann of the Minnesota Army National Guard nominated Miland, his civilian supervisor, for the award.

Pfc. Flann stated that Miland was very accommodating when he went to his initial entry training and continues to support his service. Also present was Chad Sackett, an ESGR Minnesota Committee member.

In the photo from left to right: Byron Miland, Pfc. Tyler Flann and Chad Sackett.

Sgt. Dillon Nelson, Minnesota Army National Guard, presented the ESGR Patriot Award to Chris Riley who was accepting the award for Joe Riley of Joe Riley Construction Inc. March 20 in Morris.

Sgt. Nelson nominated Chris and Joe Riley for their support of their employee’s service to the Minnesota Army National Guard. Nelson stated, “They gave me the opportunity to relax and take time to adjust before coming back to work after military duties and welcomed me back with open arms. They are always supportive of extra trainings and allows time for me to fulfill my military duties."

In addition to presenting the Patriot Award, Chris Riley of Joe Riley Construction signed an Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Statement of Support. Also present was Doug Broich, who is the ESGR Region 3 Chair and Clarence Swenson, Area Volunteer for ESGR.

In the photo from left to right are Doug Broich, Sgt. Nelson, Chris Riley and Clarence Swenson.

We get to recognize one of our own today. Tom Haugo was selected as the Military Outreach Volunteer of the Year for the ESGR Central Region. He along with the other four nominations go before the National Committee for consideration of the ESGR National VOTY. Good Luck Tom! Well deserved!

Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Brian Kraemer nominated his employment supervisor, Keith Yetzer for the ESGR Patriot Award. The award was presented Feb. 15 at the YTS Company office in recognition of Yetzer’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Yetzer also signed an ESGR Statement of Support.

Yetzer commented that his company seeks to hire military service members because of the quality of the work they perform both at his company and for the nation.

In the photo from left to right are Bill Obedoza, ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member; Yetzer, and Sgt. Kraemer.

Sarah Darrington, Knowledge Beginnings Child Development Centerss, received the ESGR Patriot Award in recognition of her support for her military employee, Spc. Alexis Adler. Spc. Adler who serves in the Minnesota National Guard, nominated Darrington.
Adler stated she is grateful to her employer for all the support when she is away from work. Sarah sends me pictures of my children when they are at the daycare when I am gone. This gives me peace of mind so I can focus solely on my mission. Sarah gave me Veterans Day off with pay – even though she is not expected to do so. The company even celebrated Veterans Day with the kids.

Spc. Adler, along with ESGR Committee Members Paul Ragatz and Trish Gathje, presented the Patriot Award to Darrington at Knowledge Beginning in Rochester Feb. 15. Darringon also signed an ESGR Statement of Support.

In the photo from left to right: Paul Ragatz, ESGR; Darrington, and Spc. Adler

Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Brieanna Olson presented ESGR Patriot Awards to David Bromelkamp, founder and chief executive; Eric Hutchens, president and chief investment officer, and Tyler Chapman, chief operating officer and chief compliance officer for Allodium Investment Consultants.

The company leaders received the awards from Olson Feb. 1 and were recognized in a company-wide zoom meeting Feb 6. ESGR Minnesota committee member Christie Nixon participated in the zoom event.

While appreciative of the entire team at Allodium, Brieanna asked that two other colleagues be recognized. Kerry Kaluza, business operations consultant, who played a key role in developing the option for military paid time off for the company, and Renae Mottaz, client service associate.

In addition to receiving the Patriot Award, Mr. Bromelkamp signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support.

In the photo: David Bromelkamp, Tyler Chapman, Sergeant Brieanna Olson, and Eric Hutchens.

ESGR volunteer John Kingrey is shown presenting Dr. James Hebl, Mayo Clinic Health System Regional Vice President, Southwest Minnesota Region, with an ESGR Patriot Award Jan. 27.
Dr. Hebl was nominated by Maj. Russell Tontz, a senior flight surgeon with the Air Force Reserve at Fort Snelling. Tontz is an occupational medicine physician with the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. In his nomination, Tontz wrote that his deployment in 2021 came at a very difficult time for a healthcare organization because it was during the COVID Pandemic. Dr. Hebl and his team supported Tontz’s medical practice, but also his family during his absence.

Rogers Police Chief Daniel Wills received the ESGR Patriot Award Jan. 19 during a ceremony at the Rogers Police Department. Wills was nominated by Petty Officer 1st Class Sydney Higgins in recognition of Chief Wills support of his employee's service to the Navy Reserve. Higgins was very appreciative of Chief Wills support and assistance with her Navy deployments and wanted to honor him.

In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Chief Wills signed an ESGR Statement of Support.

Also present was Chief Petty Officer Daniel Solon of the Navy Information Force, Higgins Naval supervisor, and Bob Adams an ESGR Ombudsman/Minnesota Committee member.

In the photo from left to right are Chief Petty Officer Daniel Solon, Petty Officer 1st Class Sydney Higgins, Chief Daniel Wills, and Bob Adams, ESGR.

Sgt. Alexander Wiltgen, Minnesota Army National Guard, nominated his employment supervisor, Derrick Clark, Clark Heating, for the ESGR Patriot Award. The award was presented Jan. 20 at Clark Heating in Foreston in recognition of Derrick Clark’s support of his employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Also present was Chad Sackett, ESGR Minnesota Committee member.

In the photo from left to right are Derrick Clark and Chad Sackett.

Senior Airman Walter Cornelius, Air Force Reserve, presented the ESGR Patriot Award to his civilian employment supervisor, Corey Bellmore, who also serves in the Air Force reserve.
Both are civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force and members of the 934th Airlift Wing at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station on Fort Snelling. The award presentation occurred at the unit’s maintenance facility recently. Among the unit members and co-workers attending the presentation were Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Pierce, and Christie Nixon, ESGR Minnesota committee member.

In the photo Corey Bellmore signs an ESGR Statement of Support for the unit.

ESGR committee members Jack Grams and John Kingrey presented the ESGR Extraordinary Employer Support and Patriot Awards at the December board meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities in St. Paul. The Patriot Award was presented to Laura Kushner, Human Resources director, who was nominated by Col. Patrick Arneson in recognition of her support of Arneson’s service in the Army Reserve.

In the photo from left to right are Jack Grams, MN ESGR awards director; Laura Kushner, and Patrick Arneson.

Capt. Daniel LaMaack, Army National Guard and Jim Kelzenberg, ESGR volunteer, presented the ESGR Patriot Award to Capt. LaMaak’s employment supervisor, Nick Woetzel, People's Energy Cooperative. The award was given Dec. 29 at People's Energy Cooperative in Oronoco.

In the photo from left to right: Kelzenberg, Woetzel, and Capt. LaMaack.