De Queen, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Nichia Davis, Base Supervisor of Southwest EMS was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serves in the Arkansas National Guard.
According to Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Program Specialist, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve.  Nichia Davis was nominated for being highly supportive of the National Guard by her Reserve Component employee Tonya Runnels. Tonya is a Sergeant and Squad Leader with the 296th Medical Company, Arkansas Army National Guard based in Hot Springs. Tonya is an Emergency Medical Technician with Southwest EMS. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
Tonya stated that her Supervisor Ms. Davis "has always been totally supportive of me and my duty with the National Guard. She goes above and beyond to assist me in serving my Country along with my civilian job with Southwest EMS."
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Richard Green at 501-212-4096.