Kansas ESGR

Michael Isom, ESGR volunteer, presents a Statement of Support to Sherelle Peterson, owner of Kansas Curl Salon in Smith Center Kansas.

Michael Isom, ESGR volunteer, presents Melissa Clark, owner of Traditions in Smith Center Kansas, a Statement of Support.

Michael Isom, ESGR volunteer, presents Greg Frank, owner of Insurance in Smith Center Kansas and his secretary Tracy Oliver, a Statement of Support.

Michael Isom, ESGR volunteer, presents Joey and McKayla
Stansbury, owner of Center Monuments in Smith Center Kansas, a Statement of Support.

Michael Isom, ESGR volunteer, presents Steve Rust and David Rust, owners of Rust Motors in Kensington Kansas, a Statement of Support.

Several ESGR Awards were presented at Wichita State University on March 22. Bobby Gandu, Director of Admissions, received the ESGR Patriot Award. Bobby was nominated by Corporal Rafael Guereque, a member of the 2-130th FAR in the Kansas National Guard. Rafael noted the excellent support given to him by Bobby Gandu, even sending care packages when he is deployed. Mr. Gandu remarked about the pride he has in Rafael for both his work at WSU and his service to the county in his military position. Mr. Gandu also signed an ESGR Statement of Support for display in the Admission offices.

Pictured below are Bobby Gandu, WSU Office of admissions, holding his Patriot Award and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR

Pictured below signing the Statement of Support are (L-R) John Hutter, ESGR volunteer, Bobby Gandu, WSU and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On February 13, Schmiedbauer Investment Advisers in Wichita signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The photo below includes Ken and Lisa Schmiedbauer, owners of the business. Ken and Lisa noted their pride in the strong military presence in Kansas, especially in the Wichita area. Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR Committee member, was present for the signing.

On February 15, Berni Cunningham, KS, Manager of the Egg Crate Cafe, signed an ESGR Statement of Support. Berni was pleased to sign the SOS and will have it on display in the Cafe. Berni said “I have many customers that are Veterans and appreciate the opportunity to sign and display the Statement of Support”. Pictured (L-R) are Clay Davis, KS ESGR Area 6, Berni Cunningham, Egg Crate Cafe Manager, Don Gaylor and Ed Scott, both ESGR Area 6 volunteers.

Jan 27, Salina, Ks
KS ESGR Chr Rod Moyer presents a Statement of Support to Michelle Peck, Dir. of The Garage Automotive
Museum in downtown Salina, KS

KS ESGR, in partnership with the Kansas Air National Guards 190th Air Refueling Wing, conducted a Bosslift on November 9th from Forbes Field in Topeka. The day started with a briefing to local Topeka business leaders from the 190th wing leadership. They discussed the wings mission, what airmen do on a typical weekend while on duty and how the skills they develop through their service benefit their civilian employers. Then Rod Moyer, Kansas ESGR Chair, spoke about ESGRs mission, recognition awards program, and how ESGR volunteers help to facilitate conversations between employers and service members through recognition and mediation. Immediately following the briefings, ESGR provided breakfast then loaded the aircraft to observe a live refueling mission.

On Wednesday, April 20, Joshua Lebeda was presented the ESGR Patriot Award. Joshua is the Police Chief for the Butler County Community College, and the Patriot Award was received on the El Dorado Campus. The nomination was submitted by SFC Daniel Gorman who serves with 2/235th Modular Training Battalion, KSARNG. SFC Gorman noted the outstanding support given him by Chief Lebeda when he was trying to balance his military and civilian commitments while caring for an injured family member.

Pictured in the photo are (L-R) Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR and BCCC Police Chief Joshua Lebeda, Patriot Award recipient

On Tuesday, April 19, a ESGR Patriot Award was presented to Mr. Wes Rathbun of 8th Street Liquor in Hays, KS. Mr. Rathbun was nominated by SPC Sawyer Krone who is a member of the 425th TC, United States Army Reserve, Salina, Kansas.

Pictured in the photo, Mike Isom, Kansas ESGR, presents the Patriot Award to Mr. Wes Rathbun.

On Thursday, April 14, two ESGR Patriot Awards were presented at the Wichita OB/GYN Associates PA Clinic in Wichita. Award recipients were Dr. Byron W. Cline and Krista Long, Clinic Manager. Dr. Cline and Krista Long were nominated by MAJ Meghan Allard who is a member of the 184th Wing Medical Group, Kansas Air National Guard. Since Covid-19 emerged in 2019, Maj Allard has been away on several deployments, sometimes for long periods of time, and often on very short notice. Maj Allard noted the wonderful support by the Clinic Doctors and staff, making her multiple transitions less stressful.

Pictured in the photo (R-L) are Dr. Byron W. Cline, Maj Meghan Allard, Krista Long and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On April 5 an ESGR Patriot Award was presented to Justin Patek at Element LLC in Colwich. Justin had been nominated by his employee SSG Jeremy Turney who serves with the 451st ESC, USAR in Wichita. SSG Turney noted the great support he receives from his boss when he is gone for his military missions. SSG Turney said Element LLC is a great place to work and is actively seeking out other members of the Guard and Reserve that are looking for employment.

Pictured below (R-L) are Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR, Patriot Award recipient Justin Patek, Element LLC and nominator SSG Jeremy Turney.

On March 18, Lt Chad Beard, Wichita Police Department, was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award. Lt Beard had been nominated by SSgt Samuel Angstadt, a member of the 184th Security Forces Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard. In his nomination, SSgt Angstadt noted the Great support of his military missions by Lt Beard and the Wichita Police Department. Specifically, Lt Beard works with Samuel well in advance of his military obligations to ensure he will not miss anything. This includes allowing Samuel to flex his work hours making sure he can still get all his hours, training, and pay in his civilian job. Lt Beard talked about his pride and appreciation of Samuel and all the other Guard and Reserve members who are employed of Wichita PD. The presentation was held during afternoon shift change at the Edgemoor Street station. 20+ members of Wichita PD were in attendance at the Presentation.

Pictured below (R-L) Lt. Chad Beard, Wichita Police Department Patriot Award winner, SSTG Samuel Angstadt nominator and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On March 8, a Patriot Award was presented to Kent Kruse, President of Kruse Corporation in Wichita. Mr. Kruse had been nominated by CMSgt David Moore, a Member of the Kansas Air National Guard serving with the 184th SFS. CMSgt Moore was just back from a lengthy deployment to the Middle East. The surprise presentation was scheduled at the normal lunch hour to allow a nice gathering of Kruse Corp employees to attend. CMSgt Moore talked at length about the many things Kent Cruse does to accommodate his deployments. CMSgt Moore also made a presentation of a beautiful display box which included patches he wore during his deployment and an American Flag flown over Al Udeid Air Bass, Qatar. CMSgt Moore was deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Kent Kruse noted his pride in CMSgt Moore for his service to the country and his work ethic as a Kruse employee. The presentation was followed by a luncheon provided by Kruse for all the attendees.

Pictured below (L-R) CMSgt David Moore, Nominator, Kent Kruse, Patriot Award recipient and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On March 14, Bud Keim, Operations Vice President and Director of Keim TS, was honored with a surprise presentation of the ESGR Patriot Award at their headquarters location in Sabetha, Kansas. Bud was nominated by SSG Ryan Hempfling who serves with the 731st Composite Truck Company, Kansas Army National Guard. The presentation made in the Keim office and was accepted by Bud’s sons Stan and Sam.

Pictured are Nominator SSG Hempfling with Bud’s sons Stan and Sam Keim

On March 7, El Dorado Police Chief Curt Zieman was honored with a surprise presentation of the ESGR Patriot Award at the regular El Dorado City Commission meeting. Chief Zieman was nominated by SSgt Brett Sanchez, a member of the Kansas Air National Guard. SSgt Sanchez serves with the 184th SFS in Wichita. During the presentation, SSgt Sanchez noted the ready release for his military duty and the the support provided to his family while gone for extended periods. Chief Zieman recognized the quality and work ethic of SSgt Sanchez and his pride in what he does for our country. The presentation made in front of the El Dorado City Commission and several members of the general public attending the meeting.

Pictured (R-L) are Nominator SSgt Brett Sanchez, Police Chief Curt Zieman and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

The ESGR Patriot Award was presented to Eric Poe, Safety and Security Manager, WSU Tech. Eric was nominated by SGT Theodore Wheeler, a member of the Kansas Air National Guard, 184th Security Forces Squadron. The presentation was made at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) adjacent to the Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita. SGT Wheeler noted the outstanding support he receives from his boss, Eric Poe. In his nomination SGT Wheeler said….” Eric Poe is by far the best civilian supervisor and employer I have had during my time with the National Guard. Eric fully understands the level of responsibility and dedication I have to my service.” A nice crowd of fellow workers and supervisors attended the presentation to honor Eric Poe.

Pictured below (R-L) Theodore Wheeler, Nominator, , Eric Poe, Award recipient and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On February 9, Eric Kerschner was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award by Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR. Eric had been nominated by CPL Richard Leatherberry, a member of the National Guard 35th MP. CPL Leatherberry is currently deployed and was unable to attend the presentation. CPL Leatherberry noted on his nomination form that Eric and the Thrasher Foundation Repair team are 100% supportive of his role in the military. CPL Leatherberry also included several examples of the support given by Eric Kerschner. Quoting from the nomination form “ Eric sets the mood, smile on his face and care in his heart.” “Through any orders I received, no matter how inconvenient, Eric always understood and made it work. When CPL Leatherbery departed to deploy Eric “Made it clear I have a place to come back to”. Finally the nomination closed with the following. “ I was planning on having a going away party and Eric offered the company building due to cost, weather and pace. But he went even further to get approval from the President of the company to pay for it as well. All the food, drinks and all expenses”.

In discussion with Mr. Kerschner, he said Thrasher is actively looking to hire more employees and would be glad to hire more members of the Guard and Reserve. Mr. Kerschner also agreed to sign and display an ESGR Statement of Support.

Pictured (L-R), Eric Kerschner, Thrasher Foundation Repair and Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On February 4 Brenda Martinez, Supervisor Target East was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award by Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR. Brenda had been nominated by CPL Alonso Pereyra, a member of the National Guard 35th MP. CPL Pereyra is currently deployed and unable to attend the presentation. CPL Pereyra noted on his nomination form that Brenda and the HR team at Target always take good care of him when gone for training, State activations or Federal deployments.

On January 25, Paula Clark, Textron Aviation, was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award. Paula was nominated by Tech Sergeant John Morphis, 184th Security Forces Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard. TSGT Morphis noted the outstanding support support of his military mission by Paula and the Textron Aviation Company. Of special note has been the close contact with TSGT Morphis while deployed and assistance to his wife and children. The Patriot Award was presented by Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR.

On January 26 Jeff Thomas, CARMAX Service Supervisor, was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award. Jeff had been nominated by Senior Airman Christian Asher who is a member of the 184th Security Forces, Kansas Air National Guard. Christian noted the great support Jeff Thomas gives him in both his civilian job and when away doing his military duties.

KS ESGR Statement of Support signings at the Briefing with the Boss in Topeka, KS 13 Feb 2020. Various employers were happy to show their support for their employees in the Guard or Reserve.

11 February 2020: Kansas ESGR Patriot Award Presentation at Neosho County Community College in Ottawa, KS.

KS ESGR Representatives, Diane Boeger and Richard Pope did a surprise Patriot Award Presentation. This award went to Ms. Marie Gardner, Dean of Ottawa and Online Campuses at Neosho County Community College. Ms. Gardner was nominated by her Administrative Assistant, Airman First Class Cambria Krentz.

AFC Krentz could not be with us at this award presentation because she is deployed with the 190th ARW. But AFC Krentz helped Diane connect to Receptionist Paulette Parriott to put this surprise award presentation together.

Richard and Diane were invited to present Ms. Gardner with her Patriot Award at a staff meeting. Everyone was as surprised as Ms. Gardner. Ms. Gardner was so pleased to receive her Patriot Award. She was very grateful to AFC Krentz for nominating her.

AFC Krentz had only been on the job for a short time when she received training orders for her deployment. She said Ms. Gardner immediately let her know she was very supported and her military service is appreciated.

Thank you AFC Krentz for your service. Be safe and we look forward to your return.

Pictured:
1. Richard Pope, Marie Gardner & Diane Boeger
2. Neosho County Community College Staff

18 February 2020: ESGR Statement of Support signing at Stevenson Company, Inc. in Topeka, KS.

KS ESGR representative, Greg Sims presented a Statement of Support signing today at Stevenson Company, Inc.

President Joe Pennington signed the document. The other photo is of Joe and his National Guard employee, Tegan Robinson (Army National Guard SGT.) and Greg.

Stevenson Company, Inc. provides high quality sheet metal work including excellent stainless steel manufacturing of stainless steel metal; equipment fabrication, furnishings, signage, etc.

13 February 2020: Kansas ESGR "Briefing with the Boss" Luncheon in Topeka, KS.

Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted local employers at a "Briefing with the Boss" at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka, KS. BWB brings together employers, unit commanders, ESGR volunteers, and community leaders to discuss issues related to service in the Guard and Reserve. A big thank you to all of the employers and ESGR Volunteers that took time out of their busy day to attend.

10 February 2020: Kansas ESGR Patriot Award Presentation at Sprint Corporation in Overland Park, KS.

ESGR Representative, Diane Boeger had the pleasure of meeting SSG Scott and Mr. Mahlan at the Sprint Campus. The team lead by Mr. Mahlan does very complicated work. When a problem is discovered in a phone system, and this problem is happening to a group of customers, Mr. Mahlan’s team comes to the rescue. They find the problem and create the solution on a broad company wide scale. Needless to say, the skill set that these employees need to have is very specific and highly technical. So, if a member of the team can’t be there because of conflicting military duty it might put a strain on the team. But Mr. Mahlan gives SSG Scott the peace of mind to know that he is supported at work even when he must be away for extended periods of time.

SSG Scott wanted to say thank you to his boss for the support he feels at work. Diane says it was a joy to help SSG Scott present Mr. Mahlan with his Patriot Award and to thank him for being such a special boss.

23 January 2020: Kansas ESGR Patriot Awards Presentation for Topeka Public School Police Officers in Topeka, KS.

The presentation took place at a monthly scheduled meeting of the USD501 Topeka Public Schools Administrative School Board Meeting. There were approximately 35-40 people in attendance (including 2 children).

SPC Daniel Kelly (1161st Forward Support Company, ARNG) nominated all four of his Topeka Public Schools Police Department Supervisors for Patriot Awards. SPC Kelly gave a wonderful witness statement about each supervisor’s support of his ARNG service. Kansas ESGR Capital City Area Volunteer, Greg Sims Volunteer (and coincidentally, City of Topeka Police Chief) William Cochran presented Patriot Awards to TPS-PD Chief Ron Brown, TPS-PD Cpt. Charlie McCray, TPS-PD Sgt. Jacob Hunt, and TPS-PD Sgt. Gary Williams. TPS-PD Chief Ron Brown then signed a Statement of Support.

The TPS-PD was also being honored by the USD501 Topeka Public School Board for their service and the Patriot Awards presentation helped make the event even more meaningful for all.

The School Board also let Greg SIms make a short opening 10 minute “Briefing with the Boss” speech about the ESGR mission and programs before the Patriot Awards were presented.

Kansas ESGR State Chair Rod Moyer was at the meeting and helped with the awards presentation as was Kansas ESGR Program Support Specialist Michelle Marzetta, who took all the photos.