SPOKANE, Wash. – Melissa Miller, vice president loan accounting of Northwest Farm Credit Services, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Sandy Kates, east area volunteer for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee. Miller was nominated by Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Joseph Meyers, a loan accountant at Northwest Farm Credit Services.
“Before, during and after my most recent deployment, the NWFCS team provided me and my family with the support needed to successfully plan for and execute a successful deployment, as well as reintegrate back into the workforce,” said Meyers. “Melissa Miller and the entire leadership team at NWFCS were mindful and understanding of the unique challenges that were required to support my dual responsibilities.”
“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 Kates. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”
“I was a key member of the deployment planning group; this required my employer to be fluid and constantly adjusting to my need to modify my workdays and hours to both meet their expectations as well my military responsibilities,” Meyers stated when explaining how Miller’s support helped to contribute to his unit’s military readiness.
Although Meyers was Northwest Farm Credit Service’s first reservist, the company made sure that every phase of Meyer’s deployment was taken care of. “During my mobilization multiple leaders/persons within the company verified that I and my family were not in need of anything, such as providing a Thanksgiving meal for my family while I was away, easing the stress on my wife,” said Meyers. “They worked on my access and benefits while I was awaiting waiting to return which gave me less to worry about and giving me an opportunity to focus on regaining my skill sets/knowledge and learn the new system that was implemented during my mobilization.”
Upon receiving the Patriot Award, Miller, congratulated her accounting loan team for supporting her and filling in for Meyers, and pitching in which included the team sending sent 6 large care packages to the Meyers and his team when they were deployed. Miller was also presented with a flag which was flown onboard Meyer’s patrol boat in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
ESGR is a Department of Defense program 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: Melissa Miller (middle), vice president loan accounting of Northwest Farm Credit Services, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Sandy Kates (far right), east area volunteer for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee. Miller was nominated by Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Joseph Meyers (far left), a loan accountant in his civilian career.