BROOKINGS – South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced that James Drew with Clark Drew Construction in Brookings was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of his service member employee.
The Patriot Award, created by ESGR, publicly recognizes 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.
Drew was nominated for being highly supportive of his employee, who serves in the South Dakota National Guard.
Matt Chandler said he nominated Drew for the award to thank him for his support of his duties in the National Guard, including flexible schedules, time off for inspections and training time, and allowing him time to care for his military family, as well as his family at home.
“Drew totally understands and supports the working of the National Guard as he served for nine years in the 153rd Engineer Battalion out of Madison. His loyalty for the National Guards has continued long after his retirement from the Guard,” said an ESGR press release.
This award was unique in that even though Matt Chandler did the nominating, there are three Chandler brothers, Matt, T.J. and Aron, serving with the 740th Transportation out of Aberdeen, employed by Clark Drew Construction.
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.
ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD.
For more information about ESGR outreach programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, call Maj. Lona Christensen at 605-737-6540 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Courtesy photo: James Drew from Clark Drew Construction of Brookings accepts a Patriot Award on Aug. 20. The Patriot Award recognizes employers with extraordinary support of employees serving in the South Dakota Guard and Reserve. Pictured from left are Matt Chandler, James Drew, T.J. Chandler and Aron Chandler.
