GOLDEN VALLEY - Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop schools were recognized Monday as one of the state's outstanding employers of Minnesota Guard and Reserve members.
The "Above and Beyond Award" was presented to GFW during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve annual Employer Awards Recognition held at the Golden Valley Country Club.
More than 450 business and military personnel attended the event that recognizes employers who have provided exceptional support for the men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserves.
The winners were chosen from a pool of more than 300 nominations by Guard and Reserve members.
The award was presented to Superintendent Stephen Malone by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and in the presence of GFW's Principal Jeff Bertrang, ESGR State Chair Paul Monteen and national ESGR Chairman Jim Rebholz.
Bertrang, who is a brigadier general in the Guard, nominated GFW.
The presentation included portion of Bertrang's nomination letter.
"I have worked for GFW Schools for the past 15 years. Over that time, I have been called to duty for various missions, deployments and state active duty. Not once has my employer mentioned concerns or disappointment, but rather encouragement and appreciation for my work. At a public school board meeting two years ago, the school board chair presented me with a certificate of appreciation as I took on a brigade command and the experiences in my military career that have worked well in GFW School Board. They truly support my career in the military and provide me with the time necessary to meet my missions."
The "Above and Beyond Award" is presented in recognition of employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
GFW was the only employer from the area to receive the award.
