Norfolk — Sgt. Jed Burbach, a field artillery National Guardsman, is just back from deployment. He’s understandably glad to be home and appreciative, too.

Burbach nominated his civilian employer, Nucor Detailing Center of Norfolk, for the ESGR Patriot Award, then stood proudly as it was presented by Jim Deuel, a volunteer member of the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. A Department of Defense agency, ESGR is staffed almost entirely by volunteers who work with both reserve components members and their civilian bosses to help smooth the way for both during absences for training or deployment overseas.

Burbach has been home some 45 days from the deployment of his unit, C-Battery, 1/147 Field Artillery headquartered in Yankton, S.D.

In nominating the Norfolk firm, Burbach wrote: “I started out as a temporary employee in January 2008.” At the time he was seeking a degree in architectural drafting to become a full-time detailer. “In April 2008 Nucor started a new program for students” that provided full benefits to those able to maintain a 2.0 GPA while working 40 hours a week. “I applied for the apprenticeship and received a position even though Nucor knew I would be deploying overseas in 2009.”

During two-week training absences in 2008 and 2009, Burbach said, “They provided pay compensation and were fully supportive of me deploying overseas. With me being only an apprentice they could have let me go at any time, but instead they put me on full-time status before I left for the deployment, entitling me to all benefits and a full-time position when I returned home.”

While deployed, Nucor stayed in contact with Burbach and his family. During a send-off before he left, the company presented a gift card and voucher promising to take care of all lawn and snow removal duties in his absence. That offer of help became much more important when, just two weeks before he left, Burbach and his wife learned a baby was on the way.

“The employees of Nucor,” he said, “religiously mowed our lawn every week throughout the summer, which (was) a big weight lifted off our shoulders. We will be forever thankful to them for this. They have no idea how helpful this (was) for us.”

The day of the Patriot Award presentation, Cindy Morrow, Nucor Detailing Center department manager, also signed an ESGR Statement of Support for all National Guard and Reserve personnel.

The detailing center does all drafting for Vulcraft and Nucor Cold Finish in Norfolk. The company’s operations together employ approximately 1,000 people in the Norfolk area.

Photo ID information:
Jed Burbach
Cindy Morrow
Doyle Hopper…general manager Vulcraft, Nucor Cold Finish, Nucor Detailing Center
Jason Ternus…Burbach’s supervisor at the Nucor Detailing Center

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.