MI Committee for ESGR

TRINITY HEALTH MUSKEGON HITS A GRAND SLAM!
Staff Sergeant Megan Ulbricht, a soldier with the Army National Guard, nominated her supervisor and co-workers, Gary Jones, Jordan VanHeukelom, Paige Morningstar, and Valerie Loader with Trinity Health Muskegon, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Megan shared that her military service has never been an issue for any of these individuals, and they have always been willing to accommodate her military service. They treat her the same way as they would any other co-worker – with dignity and respect! The awards were presented July 15 by ESGR volunteer Paul Ryan. THANK YOU, GARY, JORDAN, PAIGE, VALERIE, AND THE TRINITY HEALTH MUSKEGON TEAM!

Congratulations to Tyler Craig, Supervisor at the Cliffs Tilden Mine in Ishpeming, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Mr. Craig was nominated by Sergeant Devin Kent of the Army National Guard. The award was presented by ESGR Volunteer Jason Wallner. Thank you for supporting our Service Members!

Want to nominate your supervisor for a Patriot Award? Visit esgr.mil/mi!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Staff Sergeant Andrew Hewitt, an airman with the Air National Guard, nominated his supervisor, William Regeczi with P&F Supply Company in Grand Rapids, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Andrew said, “William and the entire company are committed to service members and veterans, and that is greatly appreciated! They have always been more than accommodating towards my service when duty calls and have been supportive of my family when I’m away. They deserve the highest recognition possible!” The award was presented July 10 by ESGR volunteer Paul Ryan. Andrew is holding the Statement of Support presented to the company and is joined by his co-workers who are also veterans. THANK YOU, WILLIAM, AND THE ENTIRE P&F SUPPLY TEAM!

🚨Attention Employers!! Come join us for this employer event! Details and registration link below!

https://www.esgrevents.mil/Events/EventDetails.aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=737dc17a-d40f-d3aa-50f7-11ef00c1111a

Congratulations to Kamil Nerwuca, Supervisor at the Walmart in Marquette, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award last week!

Mr. Nerwuca was nominated by Sergeant Desirae Fernandes of the ARNG who stated, "Coach Kamil has always been very supportive of me taking time off so I can fulfill my military duties. When I was first hired, I told them I'd be gone one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. In my case, I have been absent way way more than the traditional National Guard schedule due to volunteering or being put on additional missions. When I've had to take time off on short notice and I didn't have my orders cut yet, Coach Kamil never hesitated or made it difficult to serve my country. He has helped me get out on long term military leave more than once during my four years I've been employed at Walmart. Coach Kamil is by far, the easiest boss to work with when it comes to my complicated schedule."

Thank you Kamil "Coach" Nerwuca for supporting our Service Members! Presenting the award is ESGR U.P. Area Chair Pamela Basal.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

in 1898, the cruiser USS Charleston captured Guam. The island's garrison was unaware that there was a state of war between the US and Spain, so they mistook salvos from the Charleston as a salute from a visiting ship. When Spanish officials took a boat out to welcome the Charleston, they were shocked to learn that they had become PoWs.

Captain Darren Tanis, an officer with the Army National Guard, nominated his supervisor, Bryan Edwards with Rogue River Construction in Hudsonville, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Darren said, “My employer, Bryan Edwards, saved my job while I was deployed for 10 months. He stayed in contact and sent care packages to make sure I was comfortable and well cared for. He really showed his concern for me as a person and made me feel valued. He gave me the time I needed after deployment to get ready to return to work. He went above and beyond to honor my time away from the company as valuable and beneficial. He is highly supportive of my military career, even despite the major inconvenience this causes to Rogue River Construction.” The award was presented June 17 by ESGR volunteer Paul Ryan. THANK YOU, BRYAN, AND THE ENTIRE ROGUE RIVER CONSTRUCTION TEAM!

Congratulations to Mark Wojdula, Owner of Dunn Hardware & Supply, INC in Reese, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award on June 6th! Mr. Wojdula was nominated by SGT Jared DePrekel of the ARNG, Bravo Company 1-125 in Saginaw, MI. SGT DePrekel stated, "Mark has always been a very supportive employer and businessman in my home town. Each year he sends giant boxes of peanuts which his shop is known for out to two deployed units. He sent one to me in Syria during deployment as well as a shirt from home. He cares deeply about military members and honors them every chance he gets whether they are home or deployed. He check in with my wife often while I was deployed to make sure she was okay and helped when the inevitable home repairs came up."

SGT DePrekel was at an annual training when this award was presented so his wife Samantha DePrekel stood in for him during the presentation.

Thank you Mr. Wojdula for your outstanding support of our Service Members!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

On June 3rd Heather Turner, Owner of Lexington Nutrition in Lexington, MI was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award. "Heather deserves this award many times. She has stuck by our family during times of my husband activation and training events. She was not only flexible but very accommodating. When our children got sick or child care fell through without hesitation she took care of it. When I needed time off because of short notice of my husband active duty she totally stood by me. She supported us and made sure we were taken care of. She has a heart of gold."

This is what Lia Tunnell, spouse of SPC Michael Tunnell, MANG assigned to 1-182rd FAR Light Guard Armory, Detroit, MI had to say about Ms. Turner. During this presentation, Ms. Turner also signed the ESGR Statement of Support (SOS).

Thank you for not only supporting our Service Members but also their spouses and families!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Pamela Basal is our ESGR U.P. Area Chair and Jason Wallner is a volunteer in our Lower Peninsula. They are happy to help employers or Service Members with any ESGR related needs!

RCTAAs Jason Wallner and Pam Basal attended ESGR APAM training and awards dinner in Lansing, Michigan. They are trained in USERRA and work closely with award winning employers to ensure our Guard and Reserve are legally protected. Pam and Jason are intentional about helping Service Members and we are so thankful for their contributions! To speak to your local RCTAA, visit rctaapsa.com

Congratulations to Caitlin Bennett, Multisite Clinic Director at ATI Physical Therapy in the Royal Oak, MI area for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Ms. Bennett was nominated by Captain Lucille Queen of the Army National Guard. Captain Queen is a Physical Therapy Aide at ATI.

Queen stated, “My supervisor has gone above and beyond to accommodate my trainings. During the two years that I have worked at ATI Physical Therapy, Caitlin Bennett has consistently supported the advancement of my military career and any trainings I have been attending. While working at ATI, I’ve gone to a two-week war fighter, month long trainings (LGCCC), hazmat certification course (2 weeks long), my AT’s (2, sometimes three weeks), and seeing as I live out of state from my unit she has always allowed me a shorter day prior to drill so I can drive safely from MI to KY for drill. Caitlin has always worked with other clinic directors including my second supervisor Kristyn Grivej to ensure that my absence is missed but not detrimental to the day-to-day work of the company. Caitlin is supportive and never gripes if I’m called off unexpectedly for military endeavors. I recently accepted a position on a 10-month deployment, and Caitlin both encouraged me to go and ensured that I would have a place at ATI when I return. I cannot ask for a more supportive supervisor. I personally was worried when I first joined because I am 6+ hours away from my unit and travel was a huge concern as well as my eagerness to grab any orders I can to continue with my military education. Regardless, Caitlin has gone above and beyond to never make me feel like a burden for leaving work for long periods of time or on short notice when accepting orders, and I am very lucky to have been under her supervision for the last two years. I recommend her for a higher-level award, and truly feel that without her flexibility at ATI I would not have had such a positive advancement in my military career.”

Thank you for your outstanding support of our military service members Ms. Bennett!

Presenting the award is ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Captain Shelby Cavazos, an officer with the Army National Guard, nominated her supervisor, Christopher Duhn with Ascension-Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Shelby said, “My supervisor is an outstanding boss and goes above and beyond to make sure the needs of all his employees are met. He always has a positive attitude and gladly supports my service in the National Guard.” The award was presented May 17 by ESGR volunteer Dennis Lutz. THANK YOU, CHRISTOPHER, AND THE ENTIRE ASCENSION-BORGESS HOSPITAL TEAM!

Congratulations to the employers recognized during our Annual Employer Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 4th:

TWB, a Worthington Steel Company - Pro Patria Award (Large Business)
Hammer Restoration - Pro Patria Award (Small Business)
Port Huron Area School District - Pro Patria Award (Public Sector)

Christman Constructors, Inc - Above and Beyond Award
Clark Contracting Services - Above and Beyond Award
FANUC America - Above and Beyond Award
Meijer, Inc - Above and Beyond Award
Niowave - Above and Beyond Award
Peckham - Above and Beyond Award

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Meet Mr. Sal Trupiano! He is the Senior Director of Engineering Services (USA) at QNX Software Systems in Troy, MI. On April 20th he was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award!

Mr. Trupiano was nominated by USNR Lieutenant Commander (retired) Zhuomin (Mark) Hu, Senior Systems Engineer at Aptiv, who stated, “Mr. Sal Trupiano was my manager for a long time. He was passionate for the U.S. Navy and supported my Navy duty unconditionally. Not only did he give me much support for my civilian job, such as providing me comp time, staffing the tasks at hand, but also morally supporting me. He kept the team apprised and offered his willing support. Each Veterans Day or Memorial Day, he has always been giving me warm greetings. With his support, I served the Navy until I was 60.”

Thank you Mr. Trupiano for your outstanding support of our Service Members! Presenting the award is ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser.

Photo 1 from left: LCDR (ret) USNR Zhuomin (Mark) Hu, Senior Director Sal Trupiano, ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser

Photo 2 from left: LCDR (ret) USNR Zhuomin (Mark) Hu, Sal Trupiano (son of awardee), Senior Director Sal Trupiano, George Trupiano (son of awardee), ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

First Lieutenant Esteban Gancer, an officer with the Army National Guard, nominated his supervisor, Jennifer Norvey with Defense Logistics Agency Command in Battle Creek, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Esteban said, “Jenny has been very supportive for all of my extended training periods for the National Guard. For each one, she ensured that I was properly taken care of, in terms of benefits and time off. She went above and beyond to support the lengthy program requirements of my civilian job, ensuring that I was on schedule for promotions. Jenny understood the difficult balance I faced, in fulfilling both my civilian and military obligations!” The award was presented on April 5 by ESGR volunteer Dennis Lutz. THANK YOU, TODD, AND THE ENTIRE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY COMMAND TEAM!

Senior Chief Petty Officer Jerry Shore, a sailor with the US Navy Reserve, nominated his supervisor, Todd George with CSM Group in Kalamazoo, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Jerry said, “I have been deployed multiple times. Todd has always been there to make sure that my job is covered and that I have time off to take care of my military obligations. For the last deployment, I was gone over a year but Todd, along with the company, welcomed me back and made sure that I fit right back in to my old job. CSM Group, as a whole, recognizes all its veterans and those who are ‘dual-hatted’ in the Reserves.” The award was presented on April 3 by ESGR volunteer Dennis Lutz. THANK YOU, TODD, AND THE ENTIRE CSM TEAM!

Congratulations to Randi McKissick at Team Wireless Verizon in Marquette for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Ms. McKissick was nominated by Sgt. Steven Snow of the Army National Guard. Presenting the award is ESGR UP Area Chair Pamela Basal.

Congratulations to Melissa Clark at the Social Security Administration in Marquette for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Ms. Clark was nominated by 1st Sgt. Travis Bradbury of the Army Reserve.

Bradbury said, "My supervisor took the necessary steps to turn our field office into a training field office so I was able to utilize my GI Bill while training on the job. My supervisor works with me to ensure I have travel time to and from battle assemblies (which goes outside what is mandated by USERRA). My supervisor had detailed training programs up to me specifically when I got back from 2 separate deployments to ensure I was comfortable upon my return. My supervisor set up office care packages to send to me while I was gone on two separate deployments. She understands my military obligation, she goes above and beyond for me and my family when I'm gone and made work reintegration seamless, smooth, and an overall pleasant experience. I would not work where I do today if it were not for her."

Thank you Ms. Clark for going above and beyond for our Service Members!

Pictured from left is Adam Valeski, SSA employee & veteran, 1st Sgt. Bradbury, Melissa Clark, and Pamela Basal, ESGR UP Area Chair.

Congratulations to Ronald "Jim" Harsh from the Escanaba Vet Center for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Mr. Harsh was nominated by Captain Michael Sippola of the Army National Guard. Harsh stated, "He has provided unwavering support, and demonstrated great flexibility which has allowed me to focus on my mission and family needs when serving or preparing to serve. As I write this I am mobilized overseas. Jim has been supportive to the point of taking on parts of my caseload, increasing his workload, to include driving 2 hours round trip to cover my biweekly groups in my area of service. Jim places emphasis on military service and is an advocate for Veterans and current Service members."

Jim himself is a veteran of the Army National Guard and therefore understands how important a supportive supervisor is! Thank you Jim for all that you do!

Presenting the award is ESGR U.P. Area Chair Pamela Basal.

On March 21st Jack Li, IT Manager for the City of Farmington Hills was presented with the Patriot Award! Mr. Li was nominated for the award by First Lieutenant Danny Pierce Haki of the U.S. Army Reserve. Haki stated that Li is "supportive of my military service, even on short notice. Made sure I was provided time off to spend with my family before deployment."

Thank you Mr. Li for supporting our Service Members! Presenting the award (pictured right) is Jack Bronka, ESGR Volunteer.

On March 5th, Carrie Leahy, Attorney and Chair of the Executive Management Committee at Bodman PLC in Detroit was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award. Ms. Leahy was nominated for the award by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen P. Dunn, USAR and Partner at Bodman, PLC.

Dunn stated, “Bodman PLC is a large law firm located in the State of Michigan. I joined Bodman PLC as a partner in 2021. At that time, I had already served in the USAR for 15 years. Ms. Leahy, our firm’s managing partner, fully knew about my military status and that continued service in units located outside of the State of Michigan was required. Despite inconveniences and challenges related to my continued military service, Ms. Leahy hired me, promoted me rapidly, and increased my compensation. Ms. Leahy and the firm promote my military service, recognize me publicly inside and outside of the firm, support me and encourage me to continue to serve our great country. They are true patriots who warrant the highest available recognition and award."

Thank you to Ms. Leahy and Bodman, PLC for giving our Service Members outstanding support!

Pictured from left: Carrie Leahy, Attorney and Chair of the Executive Management Committee; Lieutenant Colonel Stephen P. Dunn, USAR and Partner, Bodman, PLC; Fred Kaiser, ESGR Volunteer.

Congratulations to Chief Kevin Salter of the Flint Township Police Department for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Chief Salter was nominated by Maj John Roland who stated, "I was recently activated from traditional National Guard status to Federal Active Duty for the length of 1 year. My National Guard unit only gave me 4 days notice of my activation and to leave my civilian employer for a year. My employer not only understood my situation, but they supported me throughout my activation. They called to check up on me and to see if my family needed anything. When I returned from my activation, my employer allowed me to roll over my unused vacation hours into the next year (which is an exception to the contract), instead of using it prior to the end of the calendar year. My employer has also hired multiple National Guard members and supports all of us."

During this event, Chief Salter also signed the ESGR Statement of Support.

Thank you to Chief Salter and the Flint Township Police Department for supporting our Service Members! Helping present the award is Lt Brad Wargler. Representing ESGR was East Area Chair Paul DeSander.

On Monday, Joan Sneller, Director of MDHHS at Hurley Medical Center for Child Welfare was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award. Joan was nominated by MSG Matthew A. Florida of the Army National Guard who is currently on deployment. Presenting the award in his absence is Kim LeFear, Genesee County Director for Child Welfare.

MSG Florida stated, "Throughout the years she has been nothing but steadfast in her support of me. She has always been there and has reached out to ensure I was doing well and to see if there was anything she could do to support. I have had a 21-year career in the Army and Joan has been probably one of my greatest supports next to my parents. She has been a great mentor and friend. I wanted to have her recognized for that."

During this event Joan also signed the ESGR Statement of Support (SOS); showing the commitment that herself and MDHHS at Hurley Medical Center for Child Welfare have for our Service Members.

Thank you Joan for being an outstanding supporter of our Service Members!

Representing ESGR at this event was MI ESGR East Area Chair Paul DeSander.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Congratulations to Noel Huffman, Manager at Starbucks in Plymouth Charter Township for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award earlier this month!

Noel was nominated by Captain Daniel J. Mack of the Army National Guard who stated, “Noel is highly supportive of myself and of all her other employees that serve in the military. She outwardly recognizes us as special assets because of our Military service. (She even ordered us special embroidered uniforms). She ensures we are informed of and have access to any/all of the company benefits afforded to us, especially for when we're on orders. She happily works around our schedules even when our orders change on short notice.”

Noel said, “National Guard employees are some of the hardest workers that I’ve ever seen, especially Daniel. He goes above and beyond always. I have a couple of others who work at this location and it’s the same thing. They’re always the ones that when the times get tough or if we have a bad day, they’re the ones that aren’t ever phased by anything going on and that helps the rest of us.”

Thank you Noel for being an outstanding Manager and supporter of our Service Members!

Presenting the award is SE Region Volunteer Fred Kaiser.

Congratulations to Tyler Anderson at Interstate Power Systems in Iron Mountain, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Mr. Anderson was nominated by Private Colten Havelka of the Army National Guard who stated, "Every time I have needed lime off on a short notice I never get any grief over it he's always willing to work with me with my drill schedule and other military orders that come up."

Thanks Mr. Anderson for being an outstanding supervisor! To nominate your supervisor for the Patriot Award visit esgr.mil/mi.

Presenting the award is ESGR UP Area Chair Pamela Basal.

Attention owners, presidents, CEO’s, HR professionals, supervisors, managers and other employer representatives! The MI Committee for ESGR is excited to offer this once in a lifetime opportunity in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard! Join us to see what our Service Members do and learn more about how ESGR can help you connect with them!

If you're interested in learning more please send us a message!

Congratulations to Mike Gibbons, Manager at Discount Tire in Chesterfield, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award! Mr. Gibbons was nominated by Petty Officer Yuri Estrella of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Estrella stated, “My supervisor, Mike Gibbons, was vey flexible for my work schedule. He was always lenient toward my military obligations. He acknowledged my leadership qualities from the military by rewarding me with elevated position and pay.”

Petty Officer Estrella has since moved to California and his manager said, "Yuri returned to California and we miss him. It was wonderful to have him here. He was always so friendly, professional, and humble. He is welcome back anytime."

The award was presented by ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser. To nominate your manager visit esgr.mil/mi!