April 22, 2025–Otter Tail County, MN—Otter Tail County is proud to announce that it has been selected to receive the prestigious “Above and Beyond Award” from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. This recognition is awarded to a select group of employers who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
Last March, Otter Tail County was honored with the Seven Seals Award. The county has once again been recognized as one of the employers in Minnesota chosen to receive the “Above and Beyond Award” in 2025. This award is given to employers who go beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by offering additional, non-mandated benefits to Guard and Reserve employees. These benefits may include differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other support initiatives.
On April 11, 2025, Commissioners and county staff traveled to Camp Ripley to accept the award on behalf of the county. At the April 22 Board of Commissioners meeting, Chair Wayne Johnson signed the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve, pledging to honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Minnesota Army Reserve citizen soldier, Master Sergeant Kyle Westergard, nominated Otter Tail County. “I want (this award) to reflect my appreciation to the whole of the County Board and Otter Tail County leadership. I have been employed by the county since 1989 and have their unwavering support through 35 years of annual training, multiple deployments, monthly Battle Assemblies, and what seems like daily interaction with the Army,” shared Westergard. “From care packages and letters during deployments to their understanding of the challenges military members undergo daily, I have always had the best care and support an employee could ask for.” Westergard retired in March from the Army after almost 42 years of military service.
“Otter Tail County is honored to receive this recognition and remains committed to fostering a supportive workplace for our service members,” said Commissioner Johnson. “We sincerely thank ESGR for this award and all Guard and Reserve members for their dedication and sacrifice.”
According to ESGR, the “Above and Beyond Award” is given to employers with at least one of their supervisors or managers recognized with a Patriot Award who signed or agreed to sign an ESGR Statement of Support. Region 1 ESGR Assistant Director Ron Lindgren presented the Patriot Award to Commissioner Kurt Mortenson on March 12, 2024.
Emerson shared, “Otter Tail County is thankful and appreciative to receive this award and will continue working to support our Veteran employees, residents, and their families.”
PHOTO: (Courtesy of Larry Helsene)
(left to right) Jack Grams, Awards Director, ESGR; Robert Emerson, Veterans Service Officer; County Deputy Administrator, Lynne Penke Valdes; Sean Sullivan, county commissioner; Master Sgt. (Retired) Kyle Westergard; Wayne Johnson, county commissioner; Col. Troy Fink and Minnesota ESGR State Chair Chad Sackett.