SPOKANE, Wash. – Air critical transport services are critical partners with first responders and local hospitals in providing critical care, especially where the patient is located in a remote area. Whether transferring patients from the scene of accidents or to other medical facilities, the shorten response time and critical care given can make a huge difference to the patient and their families.
Long time Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers Ken and Nancy Isaak experienced this firsthand when their grandson was injured. “Life Flight Networks transported our grandson who had suffered a head injury in a remote location, and we will always be grateful,” said Ken.
It is not surprising that the same skills needed to maintain an air critical transport service has transferable skills for those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve components. This crossover of skills presented the Isaaks the opportunity to come full circle and thank Life Flight Networks when a Patriot Award came to be presented to Life Flight Network for their support of their employees who serve as Citizen Soldiers.
“When this award came in, Ken and I knew we would be the ones presenting this,” said Nancy. “I was anxious to present this award due to our very personnel connection,” added Ken.
At the Life Flight Network hangers, Ken and Nancy presented Dion Greenwalt, regional maintenance manager of Life Flight Networks, with the Patriot Award. Greenwalt was nominated by Washington Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class James Martin a maintenance technician at Life Flight Network.
In nominating Greenwalt, Martin explained that he was hired in February and learned in July that he would be deploying for one year. Because of the critical nature of his maintenance work for Life Flight, his supervisor had to hire a replacement to cover his position while he is deployed.
“Dion has gone out of his way to work with me and ensure that my military service does not affect my status as an employee,” said Martin. “He is highly supportive of my military service, annual training and upcoming year-long deployment.”
Also in attendance at the award ceremony in the Life Flight hangar was Martin’s Platoon Leader, 1st Lieutenant Antonio Montez and 1st Sgt. Roy Yorke. “Employers are making a big sacrifice for this year-long deployment and it’s important that they are recognized for their patriotism,” said Montez.
“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 Nancy. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”
“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” added Ken. “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.”
At the awards ceremony Greenwalt also signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms Life Flight Networks joins other employers in pledging:
“Life Flight Networks 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 Nancy. “By signing the Statement of Support, Life Flight Networks 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.
Pictured:
1. Nancy Isaak (middle) presented Dion Greenwalt (far left), regional maintenance manager of Life Flight Networks, with the Patriot Award. Greenwalt was nominated by Washington Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class James Martin (far right) a maintenance technician at Life Flight Network.
2.1st Sgt. Roy Yorke, 1st Lt. Antonio Montez, Dion Greenwalt, James Martin, Life Flight Network co-worker Shane Hubbard.
3. Sgt. 1st Class James Martin (left) and Dion Greenwalt (right) displaying the recently signed ESGR Statement of Support.
4. Sgt. 1st Class James Martin, 1st Sgt. Roy Yorke, 1st Lt. Antonio Montez, ESGR Ken Isaak