First State Bank President John Doffing was presented Wednesday morning with the “Seven Seals Award” by Jim Sullivan, Executive Director of the Minnesota Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
The award, depicting the heraldry seals of the seven military services, is given at the discretion of the NHESGR chairman to recognize the efforts by a citizen, business, or organization, whose supportive actions have benefited all of the Reserve Components in a significant manner. Recipients of this award do not necessarily employ Reservists, but have demonstrated outstanding support, commitment, and extreme patriotism to the United States military.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The ESGR develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.
Speaking on behalf of Doffing, Wabasha County ESGR Representative Chris Christopherson said, that Doffing was “most deserving of this special, prestigious award because of his continued support of the Guard and Reserves. Besides allowing me to spend many hours volunteering for the ESGR, John has always supported the reserves here in Wabasha and all veterans.”
Joining Christopherson and Doffing for Wednesday morning’s ceremonies were the First State Bank employees and board members and several members of the business community, as well as Mayor Rollin Hall, who congratulated John and said that he “certainly deserves this recognition for all that he does on behalf of the Guard and Reserves, as well as for the Wabasha community in general.”
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. |