PORTLAND, Ore. - A U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employee was honored Aug. 2, 2011, with the Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that promotes cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and National Guard or Reserve Component military servicemembers.

Lisa Rice, an NRCS Business Management Leaders Program (BMLP) West Region class supervisor from Salt Lake City, Utah, was presented the award by retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Daniel F. Hitchcock, the Vice Chairman for Operations for the Oregon ESGR and a U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador for Oregon.

“Thank you, Lisa, for your support of one of our fine Army lieutenants,” said Hitchcock during a presentation in front of about 40 NRCS trainees and class instructors.  “Thank you for helping Lorrie as she tries to balance both her responsibilities as an Army Reserve officer and also those as an employee with the NRCS – and in both cases, being the best that she can be.”

The Patriot Award honors civilian supervisors for their exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve servicemembers by presenting them with a framed certificate of appreciation and lapel pin. Nominations must come from a National Guard or Reserve servicemember or a family member.

Lisa is the direct Supervisor of 39 BMLP participants, including Lorrie Lanham, a first lieutenant serving the Army Reserve who nominated Lisa for the award. 

“I know from my experience at NRCS in management operations and as a member in the U.S. Army Reserve, how important good leadership is,” said Lanham.  “Lisa is a prime example of how to lead, motivate, and inspire a group of employees - including me.  I consider myself lucky to be in this leadership program, and privileged to have Lisa as my boss and mentor.”

The Patriot Award is a means for citizen soldiers to publically acknowledge civilian supervisors, like Lisa, who go the extra step to ensure that employees are taken care of - whether they are fulfilling their civilian duties or obligation in their part-time or full-time mobilized military capacity.

Shown in photo; Left to right, retired Maj. Gen. Daniel F. Hitchcock, Patriot Award recipient, Lisa Rice, and 1st Lt. Lorrie Lanham, NRCS Business Management Leaders Program (BMLP) trainee.
(Photo by Daniel Herrigstad, NRCS Oregon Public Affairs)

Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges.  The NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.
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NRCS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or
(202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at:  www.or.nrcs.usda.gov.