Just in time for Independence Day, staff members in the Inpatient Pharmacy at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma received the Patriot Award in recognition of their support for a co-worker’s service in the Air National Guard.
Sgt. Maj. Ed Booth presented the award to Pharmacy Supervisor Cindy Ager (second from left in photo) during a ceremony Thursday afternoon in the pharmacy. Booth also presented each pharmacy employee a lapel pin that features a U.S. flag and with the word “Patriot.”
Airman 1st Class Jonathan Rivera (third from left in photo), who works as a pharmacy technician at Allenmore, nominated his co-workers for the award. He was away from work for Air National Guard training from December to April.
“During that time I received letters and cards from co-workers while in basic which kept me motivated and gave me encouragement, especially through the Christmas holiday,” Rivera said. “It was an experience to go from civilian to airman. I learned a lot from my training and met many people that will be forever with me.
“My return back to work was awesome! I retrained and took my required competencies with lots of help during the first couple of weeks without any questions or hesitation. I also was given a welcome back pot-luck with a luau theme. I'm blessed to work with a great team here at Allenmore without their support I don't think I would have enlisted in the first place.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presents the award to employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.
"On behalf of our Committee, please accept this certificate as a token of our appreciation for the continued support you have shown to our men and women of the Guard and Reserve," Burt Backman, Awards Director with the Washington Committee of the ESGR, wrote in a letter of congratulations that was read during the ceremony.
Story and Photo Courtesy of MultiCare |