LINCOLN — The Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently presented 5 Patriot Awards to local businesses in Lincoln; One of them being Target.

National Guard and Reserve soldiers nominate their civilian employers for the ESGR Patriot Award to recognize exceptional support for them and their families during lengthy absences for training or overseas deployment.

In the photoo:  Target (L to R) ESGR Area Chair Randy Amundson, ESGR Employer Outreach Director Keith Brown, Kevin Oswald of Target, ESGR State Chairman Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Zink, Nebraska National Guard Command Sgt. Major Eli Valenzuela. Target was nominated by one of its employees, Army National Guard PFC Eric Benes, who is preparing for deployment to Iraq. Benes cited Oswald for his outstanding support of Benes’ military service.

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.