La Crosse - The Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, was honored to present the Patriot Award to Mr. Lee Rasch in recognition of extraordinary support of one of their employees - Master Chief Petty Officer Bob Marconi - who serves in the United States Navy Reserve. 

Mr. Harvey Volden (ESGR Volunteer from Westby, WI) presented the Patriot Award to Mr. Lee Rasch (President of the Western Technical College - La Crosse, WI) on Tuesday June 15th.

According to Bud McKonly, Wisconsin's ESGR Chair, "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve.  Mr. Lee Rasch was nominated for being highly supportive of the US Navy Reserve by his reserve component employee.  Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities please refer to our website at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Mike Hallquist at 715-858-9676.

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Attached Photo:  Left to Right - Harvey Volden (WI-ESGR), Bob Marconi (Master Chief Petty Officer US Navy Reserve) - holding the ESGR Patriot Award, and Mr. Lee Rasch (President of the Western Technical College) - holding the ESGR Statement of Support.

ESGR Statement of Support: Mr. Lee Rasch was also very proud to sign the ESGR Statement of Support. 

The Statement of Support confirms that the Western Technical College joins other employers in pledging that:

*    We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
*    Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
*    We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.