Fort Smith, Arkansas – The Arkansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Deborah Bader, Nurse Manager of St. Edward Mercy Medical Center was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Arkansas National Guard and Reserve.

According to Richard Green, ESGR Arkansas Support 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.  Deborah Bader, Nurse Manager, was nominated for being highly supportive of her National Guard Employee, Captain Kimberly Sosebee, a member of the 188 Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard.  Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

"The past couple of years have been a high tempo pace for our unit explained Captain Sosebee. My supervisor at my civilian job with the hospital, Debbie Bader, has been extremely supportive in allowing me to be flexible with my schedule so I can continue to serve with the Air National Guard. I realize also that she covers me while I am gone and remains selfless in her actions. She would have made a wonderful member of our unit but has found her place by supporting her employees that are in the Guard and Reserve".

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.