WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – Malea Ivy, manager with the Whidbey Medical Health Center was presented with a spousal Patriot Award by John Van Dalen, ombudsman for the Washington Employer of the Guard and Reserve Committee, for her support of her employee who spouse serves in the Reserve Component.
Ivy was nominated by Minerva Go, a medical coder for Whidbey Island Health Center, whose husband, Dennis Go, is a Command Senior Chief Petty Officer with the Navy Reserves. “I nominated Ivy because she is very supportive of my husband’s military career especially after we had to move to California,” said Ivy. “She is a great mentor, and I am able to continue to support the medical center remotely and yet be continually with my family.”
“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Van Dalen. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”
“We miss Minerva being here physically, but we know her work is important as is her family,” said Ivy who was surprised by the presentation of the Patriot Award. “This plaque is a great honor and thank you Minerva.”
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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
Pictured: Malea Ivy (right), manager with the Whidbey Medical Health Center was presented with a spousal Patriot Award by John Van Dalen (left), ombudsman for the Washington Employer of the Guard and Reserve Committee, for her support of her employee who spouse serves in the Reserve Component. Ivy was nominated by Minerva Go, a medical coder for Whidbey Island Health Center, whose husband, Dennis Go, is a Command Senior Chief Petty Officer with the Navy Reserves.