Kirkland, WA – The Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Colleen Hewes, Director, Nursing Programs at Lake Washington Technical College was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to Dennis Newell, ESGR Washington Rep, “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.  Ms. Hewes was nominated for being highly supportive of the US Air Force Reserve by her reserve component employee, Captain Corrine Sawyer.  Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

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 provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the State office at (877) 306-1971.