Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve National Chairman James G. Rebholz recognized Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, along with 26 other outstanding employers of Minnesota National Guard and Reserve members, at the ESGR Annual Employer Support Awards Banquet on May 21 in Minnetonka.

More than 350 military, government and business people attended the annual event which recognizes who have provided exceptional support for the men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserves. The award winners were chosen from a pool of over 400 nominations submitted by military members who felt that their employers had gone “above and beyond” their obligations in supporting them and their families.

Bob Kindler, sheriff of Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, was nominated for the ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award by Technical Sergeant Keith Bolinger of the Air National Guard, who is also an employee of Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office. Bolinger’s nomination indicated that Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and Kindler provided exceptional support to their military employees. Rebholz presented the award to Kindler at the event, along with ESGR Minnesota State Chair A. Paul Monteen.

The “Above and Beyond” Award is given in limited numbers by state and territory ESGR committees. It recognizes employers at the state and local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees.

ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, recognizing outstanding employer support, and resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members.