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

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream and midstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation's largest refining system. MPC's marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure.

Sustainability Driven

Our commitment to sustainability means working to create shared value with our stakeholders as we produce affordable, reliable energy. We do this by advancing environmental stewardship, empowering our people, engaging with stakeholders and communities, and executing with integrity. Our sustainability-driven approach supports our relentless commitment to continuously improve as we contribute to an evolving energy industry.

Our Approach

 Advance Environmental Stewardship – we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and implementing practices that conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts.

Empower Our People – we prioritize safety and are dedicated to cultivating a safe, collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports the growth and success of our people.

Engage Stakeholders and Communities – we are committed to building relationships in our communities, consistently pursuing opportunities to create shared value with our stakeholders.

Execute with Integrity – we are committed to integrating sustainability in our decision-making and upholding accountable and transparent governance.

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