Leadership and business practices at Xcel Energy gained them recognition for supporting National Guardsmen and Reservists while they serve our country. The company recently received the Pro-Patria award, the highest honor bestowed by the State of Minnesota Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee, a U.S. Department of Defense office.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the armed forces, especially as May was National Military Appreciation month,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO. “We value the leadership, knowledge and skills our military members bring to the job every day. They are a vital part of our national defense and an invaluable part of our team.”

Chris Pecore, senior assessor at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, nominated the company for the honor, due to his own experience as a 17-year veteran who came to Xcel Energy and found a welcoming and military-friendly atmosphere.

“This is a flexible, understanding company that is incredibly supportive not only of hiring veterans, but in allowing active-duty employees to continue serving their country while being employed,” Pecore said. “Many of us here at Prairie Island are in the Reserve and Guard and we appreciate how Xcel Energy stands behind its policies to help us keep serving.”

Earlier this month, ESGR also presented the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant in Minnesota with an Above and Beyond award for going the extra mile to support Guard and Reserve employees.

Xcel Energy is committed to hiring 10 percent of all new employees from a military background. The company’s extensive outreach includes partnerships with active military bases, the White House Joining Forces Initiatives and appearances on Capitol Hill.

From left to right: Minnesota ESGR Region 7 Chair Dave Bambenek, U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Chris Pecore, Xcel Energy Chairman, President and CEO Ben Fowke, Chief of Staff for the Minnesota Air National Guard Brigadier General Sandra L. Best, and Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General (TAG) Major General Richard C. Nash.