By ALAN HOSKINS
Kansas City Kansas Community College has been awarded the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESG) for its support of service members called to active duty.
The ESGR is a national committee designated by the Department of Defense to promote public and private understanding of the mission of National Guardsmen and Reservists and enhance relationships between employers and part-time military personnel.
In addition, the ESGR reviews nominations and grants awards to companies and institutions that are particularly supportive of service members.
Receipt of award is based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrates contact with Guard/Reserve employees while training or mobilized;
- Publicly acknowledges contributions of Guard/Reserve employees to national defense;
- Supports Guard/Reserve employees beyond USERRA requirements;
- Assists Guard/Reserve families during mobilization.
ESGR representative Pam Spencer presented the award to KCKCC President Dr. Doris Givens, reading the citation from the nomination submitted by Dr. Cherliee Walker, Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at KCKCC and a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.
Spencer also included a special message from the Secretary of Defense expressing appreciation for employers who support their Guard and Reserve personnel.
Dr. Walker recently received national acclaim after singing “God Bless America” and the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to a Chicago Cubs baseball game at historic Wrigley Field which was televised nationally on Memorial Day.
PHOTO: Patriot Award presented to KCKCC by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for the College’s support of service members called to active duty is shared by U.S. Army Reservist and Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, Dr. Cherilee Walker, and KCKCC President Dr. Doris Givens. (KCKCC Photo by Alan Hoskins)
