Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - ESGR

Ohio ESGR Public Affairs Director Jayni Sech joined the quarterly Public Affairs Zoom call this afternoon alongside fellow Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Public Affairs Directors from across the country. The discussion focused on ways to strengthen outreach efforts and increase awareness of ESGR’s mission through effective communication and social media engagement.

Volunteerism continues to play a critical role in the success of ESGR, and opportunities exist for individuals from all professional and personal backgrounds who are looking for a meaningful way to serve their communities and support those who serve our nation.

A special thank you to Robyn Keller and Kristy Wangler from North Dakota ESGR for facilitating an outstanding presentation on maximizing impact through social media. Their ideas and practical tips provided valuable takeaways for the national Public Affairs team.

Volunteer organizations thrive when people are willing to step forward and share their time and talents. If you’ve ever considered getting involved with ESGR, don’t let the fact that you may not have military experience hold you back. Your skills and passion can still make a meaningful difference.

Message us and we can find a role that fits your expertise.

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Looking for a volunteer opportunity that only requires a small amount of time to make a big impact?

ESGR is always searching for passionate volunteers who want to make a real difference - no military experience required.

From employer outreach and public affairs to training and ombudsman support, there’s a role for every skill set and every schedule.

You’ll meet incredible people, support Guard and Reserve members, and be part of a mission that truly matters.

A little time.

A lot of impact.

Visit us at www.ESGR.mil for more information.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Their courage, selflessness, and dedication secured the freedoms we enjoy today. While words can never fully express our gratitude, we remember their legacy, honor their sacrifice, and stand with the families who carry their memory forward every day.

May we never forget those who gave everything for our country. 🇺🇸

Ohio ESGR is proud to recognize and congratulate Mitten Doshi of Progressive Insurance on receiving the prestigious Patriot Award for outstanding support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

The Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve Patriot Award recognizes and honors supervisors who go above and beyond in supporting employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. This support can take many forms, including flexible scheduling, time off surrounding deployments, assistance for military families, and accommodating leave when duty calls.

Earlier this week, Ohio ESGR Volunteer Tim Garth presented the award to Mr. Doshi. In addition to the receiving the award, Mr. Doshi also signed an ESGR Statement of Support - a pledge to recognize, value, and support the military service of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Mr. Doshi was nominated by Second Lieutenant Pankaj Neupane of the U.S. Army Reserve. In his nomination form, he wrote, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my manager for his incredible support as I prepared to leave for Army Officer Candidate School (OCS). This was his first experience working with a service member, yet he went out of his way to ensure I had the flexibility and guidance needed to balance my work responsibilities and training preparation. His trust in me and his willingness to accommodate my unique situation meant more than I can put into words. Knowing I had his encouragement and belief in my abilities made a world of difference during this transitional time. I'm truly grateful for his leadership and the genuine care he showed throughout this journey.”

Neupane was not available for the presentation as he was attending military training.

Thank you Mr. Doshi for your ongoing support of those who serve!

For more information about ESGR and how you can support your Guard and Reserve employees, please visit www.esgr.mil.

Ohio ESGR would like to congratulate our recent Patriot Award recipient – Curt Walz of Univar Solutions!

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award recognizes individual supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. This support may include offering flexible work schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, assisting with family needs, and granting leaves of absence as necessary.

Mr. Walz was nominated by Mimi Kelchen, wife of Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Kelchen, who served back to back deployments from May 2023 through November 2025. Ohio ESGR Volunteer Bob Skinner made the presentation late last month to Mr. Walz.

Mimi works at Univar Solutions and praised Curt for supporting her as a "single" parent and full-time employee while her husband was deployed. Curt allowed flexibility with scheduling and personal time off to enable Mimi and her daughter to visit Curt during a stateside deployment.

Thank you Mr. Walz for your support of those who serve as well as their family members, too!

For more information about ESGR and how you can support your Guard and Reserve employees, please visit www.esgr.mil.

Today, on Armed Forces Day, we honor the courageous men and women who currently serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Their commitment to protecting our nation reflects the highest ideals of duty, sacrifice, and service.

Thank you to all who wear the uniform and defend the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Congratulations to Erik Flick - Ohio's recent recipient of a Patriot Award!

The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes individual supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. This support may include offering flexible work schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, assisting with family needs, and granting leaves of absence as necessary.

Staff Sergeant Brandon Layton, Army National Guard, nominated Erik Flick of Flick Packaging for this award. Ohio ESGR Volunteer Bob Skinner recently presented the award.

Flick Packaging builds and packages boxes and crates for use by the U.S. military. The company makes wooden crates for military munitions such as missiles, grenades and artillery shells. Sergeant Layton commented that Flick Packaging continued his salary while on deployment, which allowed him to focus on his mission. The company also maintained contact with Sergeant Layton and has personally visited his family. Layton said that Erik Flick has set the standard for civilian-military support.

Thank you Mr. Flick for your continued support of those who serve!

For more information about ESGR and how you can support your Guard and Reserve employees, please visit www.esgr.mil.

This Mother’s Day, we honor the extraordinary women who serve in two of life’s most demanding roles: mother and military service member.

Thank you for all you do - Happy Mother's Day!

Congratulations to recent Patriot Award recipients - Sergeant Mark Phillips and Sergeant Christopher Bibler of the City of Upper Arlington Police Department!

The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes individual supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. This support may include offering flexible work schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, assisting with family needs, and granting leaves of absence as necessary.

These supervisors were nominated by their employee, First Lieutenant Ricardo Felix of the Ohio National Guard, for allowing him to accrue seniority and supporting him during his deployment to Kuwait. Ohio ESGR Volunteer Bob Skinner presented the award last week.

Pictured Below are First Lieutenant Ricardo Felix, Sergeant Mark Phillips, Sergeant Christopher Bibler, and ESGR Volunteer Bob Skinner.

For more information about ESGR and how you can support your Guard and Reserve employees, please visit www.esgr.mil.

Supporting employees who serve shouldn’t feel complicated...but the rules do matter.

Here are three commonly asked questions employers have about military employees, with clear, practical guidance to help you stay compliant and supportive.

If you employ Guard or Reserve members, understanding USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) is key to protecting both your team and your organization.

Follow us on LinkedIn for ongoing tips, reminders, and best practices on supporting military-connected employees.