God Bless America - Patriot's Award!

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizes outstanding employer support  of their Guard and Reserve employees. ESGR has initiated several recognition programs including the Patriot Award. The Patriot Award honors individual supervisors for their superior support to Guard and Reserve employees. Award nominations must be made by National Guard and Reserve members or their families. Nominated employers receive a framed Patriot Award certificate and accompanying lapel pin.

Mr. Rich Wachholz, middle school math teacher and National Guard Reserve member nominated Sister Mary Juliana, noting how she clearly understands the importance of the armed forces and is always so supportive of his calls to training. Almost half of our military force resides in the Reserve Component which is comprised of National Guard and Reserve. The men and women who serve in the Reserve Component are unique in that they also have civilian employers. Support of America’s employers and the employees they share with the nation ensures the viability of the all-volunteer force, and thus our national security.

The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. It does so by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.

Additionally, Washington County Commissioner and 33-year veteran, Gary Kriesel, awarded Sister Mary Juliana with the Commissioner's Service Award for outstanding service to Washington County, noting what a tremendous example St. Croix Catholic is setting for other institutions in its commitment to our armed forces.