SILVERDALE, Wash. – David Damon, president and CEO of Kitsap Physical Therapy, was presented with a Patriot Award by Jim Miller, awards chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee serving in the Navy Reserve. Also present to express their appreciation for Damon’s support of their servicemember was Navy Reserve Capt. Kim Pizanti, commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Kitsap.
Damon was nominated by Navy Reserve Lt. Anjoli Cero, an occupational therapist at Kitsap Physical Therapy. “I am grateful for the support I received from Dave Damon, and I look forward to sharing information about ESGR with the people in my reserve unit.”
“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 Miller. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units because 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.”
“It seems like the least we can for what you guys do,” said Damon in response to being presented the Patriot Award.
At the presentation, Damon also signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms Kitsap Physical Therapy joins other employers in pledging:
“Kitsap Physical Therapy joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Miller. “By signing the Statement of Support, Kitsap Physical Therapy is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
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.
Photo 1: David Damon (second from left), president and CEO of Kitsap Physical Therapy, was presented with a Patriot Award by Jim Miller (far left), awards chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employee serving in the Navy Reserve. Also present to express their appreciation for Damon’s support of their servicemember was Navy Reserve Capt. Kim Pizanti (far right), commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Kitsap. Damon was nominated by Navy Reserve Lt. Anjoli Cero (second from right), an occupational therapist at Kitsap Physical Therapy.
Photo 2: David Damon (fifth from the right), president and CEO of Kitsap Physical Therapy and his staff whom are pictured with Jim Miller (sixth from the right), awards chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, Navy Reserve Capt. Kim Pizanti (far left), commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Kitsap, and Navy Reserve Lt. Anjoli Cero (fourth from right), an occupational therapist at Kitsap Physical Therapy. Photo 3: David Damon (right), president and CEO of Kitsap Physical Therapy, and Jim Miller (left), awards chair for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee.
Photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amber Layman