KENNEWICK, Wash. – Matthew Sammons, executive director at Columbia Basin Veterans, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Judy West and Craig Liebler, volunteers with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Sammins was nominated by Washington Army National Guardsman Sgt. Kelsey Lehto, a GPD records specialist at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center. “Mr. Sammons has gone above and beyond to accommodate any changes in my drill schedule no matter how short the notice,” said Lehto. “He has started programs to help veterans with their physical and mental well-being. He is a mentor in the Veteran Therapeutic Court for Benton County.”
“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said West. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”
The award was presented at the annual Stand Down in Kennewick, and Sammons expressed his appreciation in receiving the award.
ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates 50 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
Pictured: Matthew Sammons (center), executive director at Columbia Basin Veterans, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Judy West (not pictured) and Craig Liebler (far left), volunteers with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Sammins was nominated by Washington Army National Guardsman Sgt. Kelsey Lehto (far right), a GPD records specialist at the Columbia Basin Veterans Center.