Will Reniker, distribution manager, was presented with the Patriot Award by representatives from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) at a recent ceremony at the Business Support Campus in Moberly.
Jonathon Guy, a warehouse clerk, nominated Reniker for the award in recognition of the extraordinary support Guy said he has received from Reniker in respect to his duties as a staff sergeant in the Missouri National Guard.
“Will goes above and beyond his role as my supervisor,” Guy said. “He is the best and most supportive supervisor I’ve had since I joined the military. Sometimes I have to leave for a few days on really short notice and Will’s very understanding of my military obligations. He just tells me to let him know when I will be back to work and how long I will be gone. I can’t thank him enough for the continued support he gives me.”
Recipients of the Patriot Award support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.
“I have always appreciated the sacrifices that members of our reserve units make on a daily basis,” said Reniker. “I try to hire members of the Guard because their dedication and drive makes them good employees.”
“We understand how critical it is to maintain the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and reserve units,” said Mark Fenner, president and CEO. “Will has set an excellent example for others to follow and we applaud his ability to manage his employees’ schedules in a way that supports the Guard yet keeps his department’s operations running smoothly.”
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. The program fosters a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. These citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families.