AURORA – South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced Tom Hill with Novita Nutrition in Aurora 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. 

Hill was nominated for being highly supportive of his employee, who serves in the National Guard, Spc. James Adler. Adler said he nominated Hill 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. 

Hill with Novita Nutrition was nominated as he completely gives his employee the time off to prepare and attend his National Guard duties, thanking him for serving, and letting him know how proud he is of him. Adler said that it is nice to be able to work in an environment that supports National Guard obligations.

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.