MI Committee for ESGR

06/05/2026

Specialist Casey Syrek, a soldier with the Michigan Army National Guard, nominated his supervisor, Andrew Bowen with Magna Mirrors in Alto, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Casey said, “Andy Bowen has supported my National Guard service for over 15 years, including deployments. Additionally, the company offers 80 hours of lost-wage compensation per year, for active duty performed. And our department includes over 50% veterans. Andy, and Magna Mirrors, have been great to work for!”

(Pictured L to R: Plant Manager Adam Mercer, John Friedli, Andrew Bowen, Casey Syrek, Maintenance Manager Jeff Merryman, and Assistant Plant Manager George Bahm.) The award was presented on May 20 by ESGR volunteer John Friedli.

THANK YOU, ANDY, AND THE ENTIRE MAGNA MIRRORS TEAM!

06/05/2026

JOHN GRACE RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION HITS A GRAND SLAM!

Master Sergeant John Hulka, an airman with the Air National Guard, nominated his supervisor and co-workers, Clay Pattee, Nicole Marlink, Jeremy Breitner, and Nick Bultema with John Grace Restoration and Construction in Comstock Park, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” John said, “Clay Pattee the owner, my supervisors, and Human Resources Manager Nicole Marlink have always supported my service. I recently deployed to Africa, and the company threw me a going-away party, called and took my wife out to lunch numerous times to check in, and sent care packages to my deployed location. Clay and supervisors never question my time-off requests. They kept my co-workers informed about what I was doing and gave me a very warm welcome when I returned. I have never worked for a company that has been so supportive of my military service as John Grace Restoration and Construction! I am the only military member out of over 100 people who work here.” The awards were presented June 2 by ESGR volunteer Paul Ryan. THANK YOU, CLAY, NICOLE, JEREMY, NICK, AND THE ENTIRE JOHN GRACE RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - Maine

05/25/2026

05/12/2026

Honored to bring together leaders, volunteers, and supporters from across the state for the annual Michigan Committee for ESGR EXCOM Meeting and Employer Awards Luncheon.

This event gave us the opportunity to reflect on another year of supporting our National Guard and Reserve service members while recognizing the outstanding employers who go above and beyond in supporting military employees and their families.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, and thank you to every employer, volunteer, and community partner who helps strengthen the connection between service and civilian careers. Your commitment makes a lasting impact across Michigan.

Pro Patria Awards -
Comprehensive Care Services
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (2025)
West Bloomfield Michigan Police Department

Above & Beyond Awards -
Henry Ford Jackson Hospital
Skytron
Social Security Administration (Flint, MI Office)

ESGR Volunteer Awards -
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year - Pamela Basal
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year - Peter Pallas

ESGR Volunteer Longevity Pins -
Cindy Sanders (15 years)
Pamela Basal (10 years)
Audra Walter (5 years)
Edward Mize (5 years)
Jack Bronka (5 years)

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

05/09/2026

The Michigan Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was proud to host our annual Awards Luncheon in Lansing, Michigan, honoring outstanding employers and community partners who demonstrate exceptional support for our National Guard and Reserve service members.

We were especially honored to welcome Retired Major General Michael Stone as our featured speaker. His remarks highlighted the vital role employers play in strengthening our military readiness and supporting those who serve.

Thank you to all who joined us in recognizing the commitment, sacrifice, and partnership that make a lasting difference for our service members and their families!

Stay tuned for photos of our award recipients!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

04/19/2026

Sergeant Charlene Spencer, a soldier with the US Army Reserve, nominated her supervisors, Kathy Ryan and Kelly Alcock with Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in Rockford, to receive the ESGR "Patriot Award.” Charlene said, “Kathy, Kelly, and the rest of the Equest team have gone above and beyond to support me and my family throughout my time in the military. They all have said, on numerous occasions, that they are proud to know a soldier in the Army and they support what I do. I cannot say enough good things about Equest and their support for my military career! The awards were presented on April 16 by ESGR volunteer Paul Ryan. THANK YOU, KATHY, KELLY, AND THE ENTIRE EQUEST TEAM!

04/08/2026

In March, Remi Coolsaet, Jr., Vice President of R L Coolsaet Construction was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award!

Mr. Coolsaet was nominated by Sergeant First Class Travis F. Bogi of the ARNG who stated “Remi Coolsaet has been understanding and supportive of my service to the State of Michigan and United States of America. He has never tried to intervene or negatively communicate with me during any activation or training period. My job is always waiting for me when I arrive back to work and has never been in jeopardy. Remi Coolsaet is exactly what service members want as a supervisor.”

Pictured from left -
SFC Travis Bogi, Nominator;
Remi Coolsaet, Sr., President, R L Coolsaet Construction;
Remi Coolsaet, Jr., Vice President, R L Coolsaet Construction, Recipient;
Fred Kaiser, ESGR Volunteer

Thank you Mr. Coolsaet and RL Coolsaet Construction for your support of our service members!

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

02/25/2026

Earlier this month, Brandon Reilly, supervisor at Pita Way in Bay City, was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award!

Mr. Reilly was nominated by Sergeant Zenayda Aragon of the U.S. Air National Guard who said, “I have worked in the food industry for almost 15 years now and by far my supervisor Brandon Reilly is the best of the best! He has always been understanding of my military schedule and has been flexible with my work schedule due to it. He is a very caring and attentive supervisor to all his employees; he cares for the wellbeing of all of us and he takes us into consideration so much.”

Thank you to Mr. Reilly for your support of our service members! The award was presented by ESGR Volunteer Cindy Sanders.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

02/19/2026

On February 17, Ms. Alice Kelsey, Chair of the Board of Directors at OnPoint in Allegan, signed the ESGR “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve”. By signing the Statement of Support, OnPoint affirms its commitment to the principles set forth in the document – that the organization will comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), will provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage their Guard/Reserve employees, and will seek to hire Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members, and Veterans whenever possible. OnPoint employee and Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant Jodie May was on hand for the signing, and is pictured with the entire OnPoint Board of Directors.

CONGRATULATIONS, ONPOINT, AND THANK YOU!

01/13/2026

Congratulations to Jon Gottschalk, co-owner of Gottschalk Renovations LLC in South Lyon, MI for receiving the ESGR Patriot Award in December!

Mr. Gottschalk was nominated by Sergeant First Class Christopher Lilienthal of the U.S. Army Reserve. SFC Lilienthal is a Renovation Specialist with Gottschalk Renovations and stated, “Jon has taken time to mentor and teach his employees, to develop them, and treated them as if they were his own family. He is very supportive of the military and supports his employees that serve.”

This is reflected by the words from Mr. Gottschalk - "We’re a small, family-owned business. All of our employees, including Chris, are family."

Thank you to Gottschalk Renovations for your support of our service members! Pictured are Jon Gottschalk and Brandy Gottschalk, co-owner. The award was presented by ESGR Volunteer Fred Kaiser.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve