Supporting those who serve

Great River Energy earns Patriot Award for assisting deployed military employee

Great River Energy was recently recognized with the prestigious Patriot Award, an honor given to companies that demonstrate exceptional support for employees serving in the military.  

Senior Supply Chain Agent Andre LeBlanc nominated the company for going above and beyond to assist his family during his 2025 deployment to the Middle East. 

LeBlanc credited Great River Energy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) and Heather Bittle, talent and outreach partner, for their exceptional care and outreach to his loved ones. LeBlanc shared a video about the support he received, which he sent from an ongoing deployment in Europe. 

Jim Finley, employer outreach director for the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, presented the Patriot Award at the cooperative’s headquarters in Maple Grove while applauding the company’s efforts. 

“Great River Energy sets a high standard for what it means to truly support military employees,” Finley said. “Your example demonstrates the positive impact employers can have on those who serve.” 

The Patriot Award is given by the Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, to individuals and organizations that provide outstanding support to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. 

“When an employee has dedicated themselves to a military commitment, we recognize the sacrifice they have made to put their work roles and personal lives on hold to serve others,” said Vice President and Chief Corporate and Member Services Officer Lisa Orpen. “They don’t just understand the ‘concern for community’ cooperative principle, they live it.”