Marathon Petroleum earns Above and Beyond Award from Department of Defense

Brian Miller, a Lab Analyst at Marathon Petroleum’s Salt Lake City refinery, has spent ten years serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a Logistics Captain in the 76th Operational Response Command at Fort Douglas in Utah, which provides operational engagement and joint enabling capabilities for homeland response and supports civil authorities during catastrophic disasters and domestic emergencies.

“My military service has enhanced my interpersonal skills and relationships and provided me with camaraderie and deep friendships,” said Miller. “It’s an honor to serve in the military and support this great country and help protect our freedom.”

Part of his military commitment requires him to take leave for drills several times a year. At a job with a different company, that caused some conflict in his team because other salaried employees had to cover for him without extra compensation. He felt guilty for taking time off for his scheduled drills. Since being with Marathon Petroleum for the past five years, he’s had the opposite experience. Miller credits refinery HR Manager Brent Olsen for doing an excellent job of managing his military leave and fostering a supportive environment for military members.

“Words can't express how thankful I am for their help with this transition,” said Miller. “Marathon provides differential pay while I am away on mobilization, continues my benefits, and maintains my seniority. Anytime I've had to request time off for my military training it has been granted. It fosters goodwill on the team because my coworkers get paid overtime, and I don’t feel guilty for leaving.”

Miller wanted to show his appreciation by nominating the refinery for an award from the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Miller’s nomination stood out, earning Marathon Petroleum’s Salt Lake City refinery the 2021 Above and Beyond Award from the Department of Defense, which is given to employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This award is given to a limited number of employers who have also received the ESGR Patriot Award, which the refinery earned in 2019 and 2020.  

“Being part of the Army Reserve is basically a whole other job that is important to me. I truly appreciate MPC’s support of my military service, and I plan to continue nominating them for awards,” said Miller.

Marathon Petroleum’s Kenai refinery also earned recognition from the ESGR in 2021 as a Top 30 finalist for the Freedom Award