BW supervisor honored by soldiers

John Berlyn, a product improvement engineer at BW Papersystems in Phillips, was honored in June with the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. Berlyn was nominated by Peter Ulrich, a product improvement engineer at BW Papersystems,

“My supervisor (Berlyn) deserves this recognition because he never fails to support me in my Army and civilian career,” Ulrich stated.

Ulrich is a U.S. Army veteran who continues to serve as a staff sergeant in the Wisconsin Army Reserve. Berlyn was recognized for showing a genuine interest in Ulrich’s military career and for becoming a mentor.

The award was presented to Berlyn from David Monk, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, who represents the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve program. Monk said the highly distinguished Patriot Award recognizes employers who support military personnel and comes all the way from Washington D.C.

In his nomination letter, Ulrich said that Berlyn shares advice on work and life when he is asked to help with a work-related problem. He challenges workers to research and understand the problem to help the employee find the solution and learn from the experience.

“I use this strategy when I go to drill,” Ulrich said in the letter. “When I am faced with adversity, I take a step back and view the problem from a different perspective. This allows me to be more efficient and confident in the uniform and at the workplace.”

Ulrich said he had come to respect Berlyn as a leader for his ability to listen and take in all the information before responding thoughtfully. This is also a trait that Ulrich applies to his interactions with people.

“There are many lessons I have learned from John, and I look forward to coming to work knowing my supervisor will have my back,” he said.