MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Candise Kerns and Melissa Rose recently received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award presented by ESGR volunteer Gerald “Pete” Knapp, for their extraordinary support provided to employee Carissa Diggs, a service member of the West Virginia Army National Guard.

In her summary for Kerns, Diggs stated: “Being in the National Guard is a very complex job that often comes with exceptional misunderstanding. Miscellaneous trainings, leadership schools, drill weekends, annual trainings, and deployments...and it can be very difficult to navigate.   Since day one, Candise has shown her commitment to understanding my service obligation. I had a PTSD moment at work which included a panic attack. Without hesitation, Candise took me in a corner and talked me through the entire event.  I am incredibly blessed to have such a great supervisor.”

In her summary for Rose, Diggs stated: “Being in the National Guard is a very complex job that often comes with exceptional misunderstanding. Miscellaneous trainings, leadership schools, drill weekends, annual trainings, and deployments...and it can be very difficult to navigate.   Since day one, Missy has shown her commitment to understanding my service obligation and has handled my ever-changing schedule with patience.  She continues to make the back-and-forth transitions super easy and with minimal stress.”

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.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WV.

Pictured:  L-R is Carissa Diggs, Missy Rose, Candise Kerns, Chuck Murray