Aeronautics Brian Olsen receives ESGR Patriot Award

Submitted by ESGR Volunteer Kathleen Cook and edited for clarity by Mark Horan

Congratulations to Aeronautics Administrator Brian Olsen for receiving the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He was presented the award at an Aeronautics Commission meeting on February 22.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.

The Department of Defense Patriot Award recognizes civilian employers’ continued support to citizen warriors and their families through a wide-range of measures.

Aeronautics Senior Planner A.J. Schutzman, a warrant officer with the Guard and Reserve, submitted Olsen for the award based on three and a half years of exceptional support during his military mission requirements.

“Mr. Olsen allowed some flexibility in my schedule which allowed me to attend drill and additional flight training periods,” said Schutzman. “He also ensured a seamless transition from military orders and back-to-work, and vice versa, always smooth and without worry.”

Following the presentation, Olsen and WYDOT Director Luke Reiner, retired Maj. Gen., both signed ESGR’s Statements of Support recognizing the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities. In his closing remarks, Reiner thanked Schutzman for his service and commended Olsen and the Aeronautics Division for supporting his enlistment.