FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2016
Director honored by Department of Defense with Patriot Award
(Topeka, Kansas) - Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, was in attendance at today's meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents to present Jacqueline Johnson, Director of Private Postsecondary Education and Adult Education Testing, with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee serving in the Army Reserve.
To recognize employers who support their Guard and Reserve employees, ESGR grants a series of Department of Defense awards, including the Patriot Award. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support Citizen Warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.
“Many employees at the Kansas Board of Regents have direct connections to the Armed Forces. Several employees are currently serving in the Guard or Reserve, or have prior service in the Armed Forces. Many have family members who have served or are currently serving in the military,” stated Tobias Wood, GED State Administrator with the Kansas Board of Regents. “They recognize the military leadership training I have received, and understand I am a stronger employee because of it.”
Mr. Wood serves with the 312th Army Band, overseen by the 88th Regional Support Command, and nominated his supervisor, Jacqueline Johnson, for the award.
Mr. Wood continued, “Jacqui Johnson and Kansas Board of Regents make my military service with the 312th Army Band a smooth process. I am proud to serve, and I am recognized for my service. This award is a small way to recognize their commitment to our nation’s service men and women.”
Kansas Board of Regents President & CEO, Blake Flanders, echoed the praise of the Kansas ESGR, stating: “The Patriot Award reflects the efforts you have personally made on behalf of the Kansas Board of Regents to support our military.” President Flanders continued, "I want to thank you, Jacqui, along with the entire private postsecondary team for your willingness to support Tobias and oversee the state’s GED program when he is away on duty.”
For more information, contact Breeze Richardson at (785) 291-3969 or
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About the Kansas Board of Regents:
The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state’s six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, nineteen community colleges, and six technical colleges). In addition, the Board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs. Private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions are authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to operate in Kansas.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve:
ESGR, a DoD office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
The Patriot Award: http://www.esgr.mil/Employer-Awards/ESGR-Awards-Programs.aspx
Director honored by Department of Defense with Patriot Award (PDF download)