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Majors & Degrees

Jeff Dittman honored with Patriot award

December 1, 2015

South Dakota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) office, is pleased to announce Jeff Dittman Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Dakota State University is honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee serving in the Army National Guard.

The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.

Alex Guillien serves as a Specialist with the 211 Engineering Company (Sapper) of Madison and is on staff at Dakota State University. SPC Guillien said he recommended Mr. Dittman for the award because he supports his military career and understands when he requests time off to serve. Without his supervisors support serving in military would be difficult. The award was presented to a surprised Dittman prior to Friday’s game with Trinity Bible and DSU.

ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.