Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

ESGR is a Department of Defense Organization whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR provides free education, consultation and, if necessary, mediation for Guard and Reserve members and their employers if they have questions or problems. The law which was established to protect both military members and their employers is known as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Click here for the 2012 ESGR calendar!

ESGR Launces Nomination Season for 2012 Freedom Award

Members of the National Guard and Reserve are encouraged to nominate their employers who have provided exceptional support of their military service. Recipients of the Freedom Award, instituted in 1996 with over 160 employers already honored, will be recognized at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2012.

More Info: Flyer and website

2011 ESGR Annual Employer Awards Banquet

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton recognized 29 outstanding employers of Minnesota and National Guard members at the ESGR Annual Employer Awards Banquet on Monday, April 4, 2011. Some of the top business and military leaders were on hand to accept and present awards, respectfully.

The CEOs of 3M and US Bank were both personally at the banquet, and their companies represent a combined 133,000 employees and $42,613,000,000 in revenue last year. With Best Buy Vice President (not pictured) Tim Sheehan and Tim Floyd from Microsoft (not pictured), senior leadership from four Fortune 500 companies were in attendance at the banquet.

More Info: Press Release

Photos: Pictured above, from left to right, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, 3M Company CEO George Buckley, National Guard Bureau (NGB) Chief General Craig McKinley and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Paul Monteen.

Pictured below is, from left to right, Minnesota ESGR State Chair Paul Monteen, ESGR National Executive Director Ron Young, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Mike Ott (nominator), US Bank CEO Richard Davis (nominee) and NGB Chief General Craig McKinley.

 The ESGR Mission:

Gain and maintain employer support by:

• Recognizing Outstanding Support
• Increasing Awareness of the Law
• Resolving Conflicts Through Mediation

See photos from recent ESGR events:

• June 7, 2010 ESGR Banquet
• June 7, 2010 ESGR Committee meeting
• Oct. 19, 2010 ESGR Boss Lift

Nomination for Employer Support Freedom Award

 View the ESGR Newsletter:

ESGR Minnesota Contacts: