For those serving their country overseas, support from home can be priceless. This was the message shared by Ryan Vogel, train dispatcher, who recently presented Union Pacific and supervisors Steve Barkley and Randy Glynn with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) patriotic employer honor.

“The recognition I have received for my service is all for not without the support I received back home,” Vogel said, presenting Barkley, vice president-Harriman Dispatching Center & Network Operations, and Glynn, senior manager-central train dispatching, with commemorative plaques and an American flag flown by his task force in Afghanistan.

Barkley thanked Vogel for his service to the country and his dedication to the railroad. “We are all very grateful for the sacrifices you make and the opportunity to support you in your service,” he said.

Vogel, who served in Iraq from June 2007 to May 2008 and in Afghanistan from April 2010 through August 2011, was assured by Glynn during his first deployment that his job and HDC co-workers would be waiting for his safe return. He said the railroad’s support grew from that point, citing colleagues who helped his wife Sarah, also a train dispatcher, shovel snow and watch their children and the railroad’s senior management who design policies to assist uniformed soldiers.

Representing the ESGR at the presentation was John Bryan, program support specialist, who said the honor was something in which to take great pride. “The support you provide these employees while they’re away is critical,” he said.

Union Pacific received the ESGR’s Freedom Award, the U.S. Government’s highest employer recognition, in 2008 for its consistent dedication to employees serving in the National Guard. That tradition of support continues today, Bryan said.