Daktronics, Larson Manufacturing honored for support of Guard

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BROOKINGS    South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced Brian  Iwerks with Daktronics in Brookings and Brandi Barhels with Larson Manufacturing in Brookings were honored with Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of their service member employees.

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. 

Iwerks was nominated for being highly supportive of his employee who serves in the South Dakota National Guard, SSG Ben Cedar with the ARNG JFHQ.

Cedar said he nominated Iwerks 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.

Cedar said, “my position is with cyber security both in the National Guard and here at Daktronics. Training that I receive in both my military and civilian career has greatly influenced my career. Daktronics is very supportive of my obligation to the National Guard. I feel that they are one of the most understanding employers to be working with."

Iwerks said, “Daktronics is a big supporter of hiring employees with the National Guard; they are dependable but bring with them valuable training and loyalty.”

Barthels was nominated for being highly supportive of her employee, Staff Sgt. Cory Scofield, who serves in the South Dakota National Guard, 1742nd Transportation Company DET1.

Scofield nominated Barthels for the award to thank her for her support of his duties in the National Guard, including flexible schedules, time off for inspections and training time, and allowing the time to care for his military family, as well as his family at home. 

“Larson Manufacturing totally stands behind our employees serving our country.”

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.

ESGR photos:

Above, Brian Iwerks with Daktronics, Brookings  accepts a Patriot Award  July 20. The Patriot Award recognizes employers with extraordinary support of employees serving in the South Dakota Guard and Reserve. Pictured left to right are Staff Sgt. Ben Cedar and Brian Iwerks, Daktronics engineering manager

Below, Brandi Barthels with Larson Manufacturing, Brookings accepts a Patriot Award July 24.