Minneapolis VA Health Care System is recognized as going above and beyond for service member employees.

On Friday, Sept. 12th, Chief Experience Officer Amy Archer walked on stage in the General Vessey Readiness Center in Arden Hills to accept the Above and Beyond Award on behalf of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The Above and Beyond Award was presented by the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee.  

A variety of businesses were in attendance, from large corporations to small organizations. They were all being recognized as local employers who exceed the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994. The Minneapolis VA was proud to be among the attendees.   

“It was so cool,” said Archer about the ceremony, “It’s wonderful to be acknowledged as an employer that supports our service members who are taking care of our Veterans.”  

The Minnesota ESGR Committee received hundreds of Patriot Award nominations this year, but only 30 companies were recognized with the Above and Beyond Award. Along with receiving the award, the supervisors and managers signed an ESGR Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. This statement reaffirms the employer’s pledge to continue recognizing and assisting the service men and women within their organization.

The nominations for the ESGR Awards are submitted by employees who recognize their supervisors’ or managers’ support while they balance their military duties in the Guard and Reserve. Richard Kisskey's nomination of his supervisor, Wendy Young, secured the recognition for the Minneapolis VA.  

“Running a 31-bed emergency department has its challenges. Staffing can be a challenge,” Kisskey wrote. “There has been nothing but support from Wendy and encouragement to continue to serve.”     

Kisskey's nomination continued, capturing Young's exceptional leadership and the sacrifices she makes to ensure her staff can continue to serve both their country and their patients without hesitation. “Wendy has often sacrificed herself coming in at 0400 to cover a shift, coming in at 2330 and staying the night, only to be on shift from 0730-1600 the next day. Her leadership and support of the service members warrants recognition.”   

“It is so important to support our employees who are still serving,” said Archer. “It’s so important to so many of them that they are able to serve and know they have the support from us when they’re gone. And that we will help them transition back to the workplace.”  

This recognition from the ESGR isn’t new for the Minneapolis VA. In 2022, it proudly received the Above and Beyond Award and the honorable Pro Patria Award, which are now displayed on the walls between the Main and Outpatient Entrances. These awards reflect a culture of support and excellence. They show the combined efforts and compassion of the entire team. The consistent recognition is more than just an honor; it's proof of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System’s strong commitment to its mission and its people.