Sourcewell's Gruber Recognized by Department of Defense Program
Patriot Award recognizes extraordinary support of Army Reserves Captain and Sourcewell employee, Kayla Voelker
I am incredibly honored to receive this award but am even more honored and privileged to be able to work at an organization that empowers me as a manager to support Kayla in her military career. This award speaks volumes to the culture we create here at Sourcewell.
As a former Platoon leader and, now, Company Commander for the 704th Chemical Company of the Army Reserves (Twin Cities), Captain Kayla Voelker knows what it takes to be an effective leader. And while serving in a traditional, part-time capacity in the Reserves while balancing a full-time career, Captain Voelker can truly appreciate the support of a good leader.
On Thursday, Feb. 14, Captain Voelker was on hand for the presentation of the Department of Defense's Patriot Award to her supervisor, Sourcewell Manager of City and County Solutions Anna Gruber.
The Patriot Award is given by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. The prestigious honor recognizes individual supervisors and bosses for their support to the nominating service member and his/her family.
Captain Voelker, also an adult foster care licensing specialist at Sourcewell, nominated Gruber as a way of “giving back to her” for the invaluable support she in-turn has extended to Captain Voelker while serving her country.
“Being a supervisor for an employee that is in the military is not easy,” Voelker wrote in her nomination to the ESGR, “but Anna ensures that I get the support that I need to make it feel that I am contributing rather than being a burden to the organization.”
This is the third ESGR honor and Patriot Award Sourcewell has received. In December 2017, Procurement Manager Chris Robinson received the honor – nominated by Staff Sergeant and Sourcewell employee James Voelker. In May 2018, Sourcewell CEO Dr. Chad Coauette was presented the Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of Sourcewell employee Captain Greg Grunig and his family.
In each instance, appreciation and accommodation were reoccurring themes.
“Anna has supported my military duties since day one of hire at Sourcewell,” Voelker added. “She has been so accommodating and understanding when it comes to my military obligations. She celebrates my successes within the organization and my military career. Anna goes above and beyond when it comes to ensuring her employees feel heard and creating a positive work environment.”
Gruber said she was humbled and honored by the award announcement on Thursday but was quick to give all credit to the organization where both she and Captain Voelker work.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award but am even more honored and privileged to be able to work at an organization that empowers me as a manager to support Kayla in her military career,” Gruber said following the ceremony. “This award speaks volumes to the culture we create here at Sourcewell.”
Sourcewell empowers public employees through dynamic solutions and services that drive efficiency and impact. As a government organization serving thousands of public agencies across the United States and Canada, Sourcewell understands the day-to-day challenges public employees face. From cooperative contracts and related solutions, to education and community resources, Sourcewell is committed to providing high-quality service while supporting community success. Visit sourcewell-mn.gov to learn more. See current job openings at sourcewell-mn.gov/careers.