Wisconsin ESGR

FY27 Wisconsin ESGR Employer Outreach and Freedom Award planning session.
Left to right Bill Rheingans, Cheryl Ewer,Jim Malcolm, Bob Strange and Dave Gapinski.
Thanks everyone for your time as we set our goals for FY27.

On 3 September Area 5 ESGR Volunteer David Monk presented a Patriot Award to Jenifer Urbanski of Asprirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau. The nominator was Andenum Waquong serving with the 452nd Service Hospital in Milwaukee.

The nomination read, “Jennifer Urbanski has consistently supported my military obligations by adjusting my work schedule to meet my needs, even on short notice. She also modified my work contract to ensure flexibility for my service requirements.”

The Statement of Support was signed by Chief Nursing Officer Robin Rudie on behalf of the organization.

On 8 September Area 5 ESGR Volunteer David Monk presented a Patriot Award and Statement of Support to Institutional Coordinator Julie Richards of the Wisconsin Northern & Central GME Consortium (WiNC) based in Wausau. The nominator was Coast Guardsman Razlog Novitchi serving with the Coast Guard Reserve based in Galveston, Texas.

He said of Julie Richards that "she worked around the clock to make sure the residency program that I am training for was VA eligible and that I would receive my GI Bill benefits. She sacrificed her own tmie to complete the necessary paperwork.”

On 31 August ESGR Rafael Conde of Area 6 presented five Patriot Awards to supervisors and employers at TriStar Engines and Transmissions in Baldwin. The awardees were Tony Mueller, John Garbe, Lynn Blomstrand, Diana Anderson, and Zachery Buxton. The awards were nominated by Specialist Caleb Hinton, currently deployed with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Plant manager Tony Mueller also signed a Statement of Support for the company. About 80 employees attended the awards ceremony.

ESGR volunteer Rafael Conde (center) and plant Manager Tony Meuller (right) in group photo along with awardees.

On August 26, ESGR volunteer David Melby, presented a Patriot Award to Michelle Jensen, Principal of the Prairie View Middle School, Sun Prairie.

The nominator, Matthew Braun, U.S. Naval Reserve said Michelle Jensen is incredibly supportive of my absence from work due to military orders, including short notice and for extended periods. She ensures a seamless transition in and out for me and my teammates to ensure the students, team, and school continuously meet the needs of our students and to ensure mission accomplishment of my Naval responsibilities.

Approximately 55 employees, the District Communications Officer and District Administrator attended the presentation ceremony.

On 13 August, Nursing Supervisor Carly Klunder of Emplify Health by Gundersen of La Crosse was presented a Patriot Award for her support of Army Reservist Erin Bringe. Erin is assigned HHD of the 457th Transportation Battalion. The presentation was made at the monthly staff meeting with about 20 staff members in attendance.

Photo Erin Bringe (L) and Carly Klunder (R).

📣FORT McCOY NEWS📣

On behalf the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office, following is a secure link to the August 2026 issue of The Real McCoy newspaper, Fort McCoy’s official publication that gets its name from historical efforts at the installation during World War II.

The August 2026 Edition of The Real McCoy can be found at:https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/pubs/pdf_77539.pdf

We are excited to recognize Jessica Yttri from American Family Insurance with an ESGR Seven Seals Award for her support of our
mission to support the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Thank you American Family and Jessica for your ongoing support.
Pictured with Jessica : Jim Malcolm and Bob Strange.

Congratulations and a special thank-you to Sam Galvin at the Lake Windsor Country Club for his support of those serving in the Wisconsin National Guard and Army Reserve. The ESGR Seven Seals Award is an elevated award that allows us to recognize those that have gone above and beyond in their support. Thank-you Sam and you team at Lake Windsor Country Club. Pictured Jim Malcolm ESGR State Chair, Sam Galvin Pro at Lake Windsor Country Club and Bob Strange Wisconsin Employer Outreach Director.

Congratulations to our 2 Wisconsin Freedom Award Finalists!