NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Michigan Works! Region 7B was recently honored with a Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award was presented to Executive Director Mark L. Berdan.
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
Michigan Works! Region 7B has a tradition of providing services to those who have served this country, so when one of their own – Hauk DeGeer of Farwell, who serves as PATH Coordinator in the Clare County Service Center – was activated for the Air Force Reserves, leadership and staff were proud to do whatever needed to be done to support his active duty tour by shifting his duties to other staff members until he returned.
“We were eager to step up and make sure that Hauk had the support he needed,” Berdan said. “We are extremely proud of Hauk and his service to our communities and our country.”
Airman 1st Class DeGeer said that he appreciated the outpouring of support he received from his employer.
“I am truly grateful to Michigan Works! Region 7B for welcoming me back with open arms after completing my IADT,” said Airman 1st Class DeGeer. “Their support and belief in my growth are the driving forces behind my success.”
Pictured are Michigan Works! Region 7B Executive Director Mark L. Berdan and PATH Coordinator Airman 1st Class Hauk DeGeer. Michigan Works! Region 7B is proud of Hauk’s service, and our role in supporting him.
