CAMP RIPLEY- Frederick J. Godec has served as an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve ESGR volunteer since May 15, 2001, working with veterans from Hill City to International Falls, as well as the entire Arrowhead region. The 82-year-old Hibbing man has served as a liaison since 2005 and the chair since 2019. He was awarded the ESGR Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant achievement promoting ESGR objectives over 24 consecutive years.
The lifetime achievement award is given to those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition. The recipient receives a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion or coin, and a congratulating letter from the president of U.S.
ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members of National Guard and Reserve. Through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws, ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between service members and their employers.
Godec ran his own business, Security Systems, from 1965 to 2014, and worked at USS as an electronic technician from 1970 to 2000. He also was a community volunteer stretching back to 1965. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus from 1965 as a Grand Knight. He became a certified firearms safety instructor in 2001, teaching gun safety to girls and boys 11 years old and older. An avid musician from age 11, he still plays today today, and was the original bass player in the Electras, played with many area polka bands, and performed Irish and western music on the Iron Range and in Wisconsin and Michigan.