LINCOLN – Sgt. Dave Hayes of the Nebraska State Patrol was presented an ESGR Patriot Award and a handshake from Gov. Dave Heineman during a ceremony at the State Capitol.

The Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) sponsors recognition of civilian employers who have shown support for their Guard or Reserve employees during absences for training or overseas deployment.

Retired Trooper Eli Valenzuela, whose NSP career spanned 25 years and ended on Heineman’s Executive Protection Detail, nominated Hayes for the award, which was presented in the Governor’s Hearing Room. Also present were Col. Bryan Tuma and Lt. Col. Dave Sankey of the State Patrol and others from the National Guard and NSP.

Valenzuela, a 30-year Nebraska Army National Guard member and current Nebraska State Command Sgt. Maj., has served deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. He has assisted in a number of hurricanes and other state emergencies as well.

Valenzuela, in his nomination letter, thanked Hayes for being flexible and supportive where his Guard service was concerned.

“Sgt. Hayes has always given me the time off to attend drills, as well as additional military obligations commensurate to the rank that I hold,” Valenzuela wrote. “His support was clearly displayed when our Guard unit was called to state active duty in support of hurricanes Gustov and Ike” when Valenzuela “had to leave for three weeks with hardly any notice at all.”

ESGR Executive Director Bill Nelson formally presented the award.

From left: Gov. Dave Heineman, Sgt. Dave Hayes, Bill Nelson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Eli Valenzuela.

ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve personnel. Please contact Executive Director William Nelson at 402-309-7105 or email william.nelson1@us.army.mil for more information on ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities.