Attorney General Swanson Receives 'Pro Patria' Award

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson received the "Pro Patria" Award Monday night from the Minnesota Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an organization within the United States Department of Defense.

The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to employers who excel in their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Swanson received this year's public employer award as the employer who "has provided the most exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve." Swanson was presented the award by Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Nominated by her staff, Swanson thanked ESGR for the recognition. "Members of the military place their lives on the line to defend our freedom. We owe them our support and gratitude," Swanson said.

Swanson was recognized for her support of her military employees, for establishing a Veteran's Unit within the Office, for drafting laws and advocating for stronger state policies for service members, and for her hiring practices of military personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel James Haase, an Assistant Attorney General in Swanson's Public Safety Division, thanked Swanson for her support of the military employees in the office. "We in the military are thankful for employers like the Attorney General who support us and our families," said Haase.

More information about the Pro Patria Award can be found at the ESGR Web site, www.esgr.org.