BROOKINGS – South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced Rebecca Jirava of the Brookings 3M plant was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of her service member employee.
The Patriot Award, created by ESGR, publicly recognizes individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who, like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.
Major Rebecca Trygstad nominated her co-worker, Rebecca Jirava. “Working for a cooperation that is supportive of military duties says a lot about 3M.”
Jirava is part of the 3M Military Supportive Network that was launched 10 years ago, throughout the entire 3M cooperative network. The Brookings 3M became involved a year ago and meets monthly to discuss the needs for military personnel whether they are active guardsman, retired military regardless of the years of service or those who feel the passion for the military. Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other days of patriotism are observed with special mention to those who are military connected. They have sent care packages to soldiers deployed and assist the families of those deployed. A Coining Ceremony is held in February and a 3M military challenge coin has been awarded to over 40 employees to thank them for their service. The coin was designed to honor a son who gave his life in the Middle East. Major Trygstad serves with the ARNG 196th MEB.
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.
ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the DoD.
