Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee

06/14/2026

Ben Jensen and Cody Thompson were honored with the Department of War Patriotic Employer Award.
Sergeant Nick Selders of the Army National Guard presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award to Ben Jensen and Cody Thompson. The award was given on June 4, 2026 at Jensen GMC in New Ulm, MN in recognition of their support of their employee’s service to the Army National Guard. Sergeant Selders was very appreciative of their support and assistance with his service and wanted to honor them.
Minnesota ESGR Region Chair Doug Broich assisted in the presentation.
They also each signed a Statement of Support to publicly demonstrate support of employee service members.
Photo left to right: Doug Broich, Ben Jensen, Cody Thompson and Sergeant Selders.

06/14/2026

Happy Birthday, U.S. Army!

251 years of defending freedom. 🇺🇸🛡️

From the first musket shots in 1775 to the high-tech, multi-domain force of today, our Soldiers have always been, and always will be, ready to answer the call.

06/13/2026

A great opportunity to explore Minnesota military history

Four days a year, the Minnesota Historical Society will provide FREE admission to its historic sites and museums! Take this opportunity to learn more about our state's history, at no cost to you.

Please check the seasonal hours for each site at https://www.mnhs.org/locations.

Funding for free admission is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

Historic Fort Snelling is offering a self-guided experience for visitors to explore at their own pace with the visitor center and fort open and staff at various locations to offer interpretation.

06/11/2026

On May 28, 2026, Ms. Ashley Gibson, a supervisor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, was presented with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award. The award was presented by Minnesota Army National Guard Specialist LeAnn Brown assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion.
The presentation was held at the St. Paul Hazelden location conference room filled with fellow co-workers and supervisors of Ms. Ashley.
Specialist Brown, a Contract Manager, began the presentation with her personal reflection and praise for the continued support and appreciation she has received over the past couple of years for her periods of time away from her civilian employment due to military obligations. Specialist Brown reflected how Gibson's support and confidence have given her the ability to focus on her military career and duties without having to worry about her civilian duty and her outcome upon return. Specialist Browns commented that Gibson “consistently leads with patience, empathy, and steady support. She has always backed my needs without hesitation, especially during military leave or when additional time off was needed for mental health and family responsibilities. Her compassionate leadership reliability, and genuine care for her team make her an exceptional supervisor worthy of this honor.”
Assisting with the presentation was Minnesota ESGR Committee member Doug Julin.

Pictured from left to right: Doug Julin, Ms. Ashley Gibson, and Specialist LeAnn Brown
The other photos are of this event.
Photos courtesy of Doug Julin.

06/06/2026

The 82nd Anniversary of D-Day. Take a moment to recognize the terror that the allied forces faced and the bravery they showed, whether landing on the beach or being inserted behind enemy lines. To those who pushed to victory and came home and to those who are buried in Europe, you have our undying respect.

06/03/2026

Do you know a Veteran that could use help organizing their life?

Are you a Veteran looking for housing resources, employment support, healthcare services, or legal assistance?

Summer Salute is for you.

Join us on June 23rd at CHS Field and connect with dozens of organizations ready to help.

📍 CHS Field, St. Paul
🗓️ Tuesday, June 23rd
🔗 https://go.mac-v.org/2026SummerSalute

05/25/2026

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

May we always live worthy of their sacrifice, honor their memory, and never forget the brave Americans who paid the ultimate price.

05/24/2026

CEO Mattea McGuire of Common Ground Recovery Services was honored with the Department of War Patriotic Employer Award.
Margo Wunderlich, employee of Common Ground Recovery Services, nominated her employer for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriotic Employer Award. The award was presented to Mattea on May 21, 2026, in recognition of Mattea’s support for Margo during times when Margo’s family member needed to be away for duties related to their role with the Army National Guard. Mattea consistently kept in touch with Margo during times when her family member was activated and was supportive of Margo during time of deployment.
ESGR Committee volunteer member Trish Gathje presented the award to Mattea McGuire on behalf of Margo who was not available to be present.
Ms. McGuire also signed a Statement of Support to publicly demonstrate support of employee service members.
Photo left to right: Mattea McGuire, and Trish Gathje (Photo courtesy of Trish Gathje)

05/23/2026

Thank you for your service and sacrifice

05/22/2026

Remember on Memorial Day, the Veterans who died for us in combat.
Solomon Hammersland, US Army, WWI.