For those serving in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserves, the call to duty can put a strain on the employee-employer relationship. So when an employer accommodates a soldier's duty, recognition is in order.

Erick Alverio, clinic manager for Jennie Edmundson's Health Center West Physical Therapy, nominated Jennie Edmundson's director of rehabilitation services, Lisa Fidone, for the Patriotic Employer Award, which she recently received from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

"She's always been supportive," said Alverio. "She never said I couldn't take the time off or made me feel guilty for it, which is a big plus. I've had other employers before that let me know they were unhappy about it."

Fidone has been Alverio's boss and rehab director for four years.

"I know he has to leave every month, and we just accommodate to make sure his clinic is covered," Fidone said. "It's imperative he has the time off. His service is a positive impact."

Fidone, who said she prefers to be in the background, was ambushed with the award.

"Erick scheduled a meeting with me at 12:30," Fidone recalled. "So many things went through my head what he would schedule a meeting about. I came down to the outpatient clinic and there was CEO Steve Baumert, Ed Lynn, Erick, Vincent Rue and the staff."

Lynn presented her with the award, and Fidone was "completely shocked."

"It's just part of job, but Erick was proud he could nominate me, and I'm honored by that," Fidone said.

Although she enjoyed helping patients heal while serving as a clinician in Jennie Edmundson's outpatient physical therapy, her four years as director have allowed her to ensure her employees have the supplies they need and are working in an upbeat, enjoyable environment.

"Scheduling can be a challenge, of course. And things come up every day that you just have to take it, handle it, get it done and move on," she said.

Fidone oversees the hospital inpatient physical therapy, the cardiovascular/pulmonary rehab, the Medibus, the outpatient wound clinic and three satellite clinics (Physical Therapy East and Sports Medicine, Health Clinic West Physical Therapy and the Glenwood physical therapy clinic). She has served at Jennie Edmundson for 18 years.

She also teaches a Wednesday night body sculpting class at Fit 4 Life and a Tuesday and Thursday cardio and resistance-training class in the hospital's employee wellness center.