Leonard, Street and Deinard accepted today the Department of Defense's Patriot Award in recognition of the firm's support for one of its attorneys who was deployed to Iraq with Minnesota's "Red Bulls" 34th Infantry Division. Steve Schemenauer, an associate with the firm, served with the Red Bulls as a Military Intelligence Officer during their 2009-2010 deployment. He is currently a Major in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

The award was presented by Major General Richard C. Nash, Commander of the 34th Infantry Division, in a ceremony at the firm's Minneapolis offices this afternoon.

"We are proud to have Steve Schemenauer represent our country as well as our firm." said Lowell Stortz, president of Leonard, Street and Deinard, who accepted the award on behalf of the firm. "We understand the important work our soldiers are doing, and we actively support their efforts. We are grateful to Steve and glad to have him back with us. I am also proud of the way our employees rallied to support Steve and his family during his deployment."

"I appreciate all the assistance provided by my friends and colleagues at the firm," said Schemenauer, who nominated Leonard, Street and Deinard for the Patriot Award based on his deployment experience. "From the incredible care packages sent to me in Iraq to the professional and gracious handling of all the details that go into deployment and return, it made everything easier knowing I had so much support back at the office."

During his 10-month deployment, Schemenauer was based in Basrah, Iraq. Five years earlier, during law school, Schemenauer served a combat tour in Afghanistan as an Infantry Company Commander, earning a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal and a Combat Infantryman's Badge. He has been in the Army for almost 19 years.

About the Patriot Award
The Patriot Award is presented to employers to recognize their support for a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve. The award is administered by the Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. Today ESGR operates through a network of more than 4,500 volunteers throughout 56 Committees located in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Europe.