Employers win state award for support

14 Feb 2008 | Senior Airman Brandon Rizzo

The 916th Air Refueling Wing here has become accustomed to presenting its members with awards for outstanding performance.

On Feb. 16, the wing had the opportunity to recognize some folks from behind the scenes, as the Patriot Award was bestowed upon three very supportive civilian employers of 916th ARW personnel. The ceremony was held in Durham, N.C. and Col. Fritz Linsenmeyer, 916th wing commander and Col. Woody Woodson, 916th Mission Support Group commander attended.

The certificate was awarded to Dr. Ellen Jordan, the vice president of Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, N.C., after she was nominated by Capt. Ted J. Janicki, formerly the operations officer for the 916th Communications Squadron here.

"Mount Olive College is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values," said Captain Janicki in his nomination statement. "These values are evident in the treatment of its employees, and the treatment I have received is a shining example."

Captain Janicki said Doctor Jordan worked directly with him during his year-long deployment to Afghanistan. She made it possible for him to support the mission without having any worries about the transition toward the deployment or upon his return.

Joe Vaughan, of Guilford East in Kenansville, N.C., was presented the award after being nominated by Staff Sgt. Ginger L. Ellis, of the 916th ARW's judge advocate office.

"As a prior military member of the United States Navy, my manager - Joe Vaughan - understands the calling that I, as a military member, feel," said Sergeant Ellis in her statement. "It is this understanding that enables Joe and Guilford to make sacrifices by allowing me to perform my duty whenever necessary - without feeling guilty."

Sergeant Ellis said the support of her employer allows her to carry out her mission without having to worry about what is going on with her civilian job.

Melissa Merchant, of Alltel Communication in Raleigh, N.C., was honored with a Patriot Award after Staff Sgt. Everette Blacknall from the 916th Civil Engineer Squadron here nominated her for the certificate.

"She has always worked around my military schedules, sometimes with very short notice," said Sergeant Blacknall. "She outwardly recognizes me as a special asset to the company, because I am in the military, to my coworkers and to other Alltel leadership as well."

Sergeant Blacknall said Ms. Merchant not only helped handle every possible aspect of his transition from his job, but continued to show her support by sending him care packages during his deployment and keeping in touch with his family. She even organized a "welcome home" event upon his return.

"She has never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud of me she is," said Sergeant Blacknall. "To me, I'm only doing what thousands of other men and women do and have done every day."

The Patriot Award is presented by the North Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. They are currently accepting nominations for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award.

To nominate your employer for an award, visit the ESGR website, http://www.esgr.org.
Marine Corps Recruiting Command