WVO associates around the globe serve our country each year by enlisting in the military as a member of the Reserves. These brave men and women perform part-time duties and rotate through different positions including combat support, service support, nation-building and civil support capabilities. Their dedication to supporting our full-time armed forces is commendable and together they protect the freedom that our country’s foundation is based upon.

“We feel honored as an employer, to have associates that serve as Reserves on the force and subsequently get deployed to go on tour, to serve our country,” said Shelly. “This has become part of life for many - and we will continue to do our share to make the transition smooth and easy for our associates.”

Amy Collins, a Contact Center Representative in Springfield, MO, is one of the many WVO Reserve members. She currently serves with the US Army Reserves as a Respiratory Therapist for the 325th Combat Support Hospital. Amy recently returned from Texas at Fort Sam Houston for Respiratory Therapy Training and in August she will be traveling to Japan on a humanitarian mission. In the next two years Amy will be deployed to the Middle East for service.

 “Most people think the Reserves have it easy, but that’s not the case. They have to leave their everyday lives on the weekends, as well as extended times throughout the year, in addition to deployments. When a Reservists leaves for duty, most worry about whether or not they will have a job to return to and if they’ll receive compensation while they’re gone,” said Amy.

Luckily, for Amy that wasn’t the case. Wyndham is a military-friendly employer, proudly supporting its associates who serve in the Reserve while at work and in the field. As a way to thank WVO for their dedication to Reservists like herself, Amy nominated the company for a Patriots Award, issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense

 “My goal for the nomination was to help WVO get recognized for being a military employer,” said Amy. “Wyndham is such a large company and their actions influence others to follow suit. In the end they’re helping provide Reservists the security at home needed to be able to do their job in the field.”

During the Contact Center’s holiday party on Saturday, December 10, Amy’s Commander and members of her unit presented the Patriots Award to Shelly Griessel, Senior Vice President, Hospitality Contact Centers and Michael Day, Vice President, Contact Center Operations in Springfield. They also picked up supplies raised by associates in the Contact Center for soldiers stationed in Kuwait.

 “This is another inspiring example of the Wyndham family culture, said Michael. “ As a Navy veteran this program makes me especially proud of all our team members who provide, not only a dedicated value to our owners, but also who commit and sacrifice to serving our country.  We need to continue to support these courageous efforts in any way that we can.”

As we begin 2012, let us all thank those who protect our country by serving in the military. It is with their unwavering dedication to our country that we enjoy the many freedoms we have today. Visit the JAM to add your personal note of thanks!