4 Methodist Supervisors Honored With Patriot Award for Support of Employees’ National Guard Service

Four Methodist Health System supervisors were recently presented with Department of Defense Patriot Awards for their support of employees who are members of the National Guard.

The supervisors were honored with the awards during presentations by volunteers representing the Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their employees who, like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Ron Boro, an ESGR volunteer. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s guard and reserve units.”

Patriot Award Honorees

Chelsea Craig and Jen Tran

Chelsea Craig, service leader for the Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital emergency department, and Jen Tran, forensic nurse examiner team leader, were nominated for their support of Capt. Amye Dusatko, a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard.

“Chelsea has been an avid supporter of me and my military commitment since day one of working for her,” said Dusatko, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department. “In addition to her flexibility with my regularly scheduled drill periods, Chelsea accommodated countless short-notice deployments, TDYs (temporary duty) and training commitments without question. My absences no doubt cause significant staffing challenges for a highly utilized and extremely busy emergency room; despite this, Chelsea continuously responds with nothing but gratitude and praise for my service.”

Dusatko added: “Jen has always been an avid supporter of my commitment to the Air National Guard. She has accommodated countless short-notice deployments, TDYs and training commitments without question, despite my absences causing significant staffing challenges for her.”

Maureen Holstein

Maureen Holstein, director of operational innovation for Methodist Health System, was nominated for the Patriot Award for her support of Maj. Bryce Johnson, a member of the Iowa Air National Guard.

Johnson, an operational innovation specialist, wrote: “Leaving active duty, I was unsure how my National Guard service would be perceived. Maureen has been extremely supportive of my service. She made it easy to take additional days away from my civilian work to complete my military obligation. She also allows me to flex my hours so I can attend military activities on Fridays of drill weekends without reducing my pay. Maureen understands that my military service makes me a better citizen, employee and leader, so she 100% supports my continued service in the Air National Guard.”

Michael Ortmeier

Michael Ortmeier, senior director of clinic operations for Methodist Physicians Clinic, was nominated for the Patriot Award for his support of Capt. Emily Mahon, a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard.

“My supervisor and employer deserve this award because they allowed me to take over a year of active duty orders to help the 155th Medical Group during busy COVID operations,” said Mahon, a physician assistant with Methodist Physicians Clinic. “They sacrificed me, as a provider in a busy urgent care, so that I could help the unit. They did not hesitate when I requested this opportunity, but rather said, ‘Thank you for your service.’”

More about ESGR

ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, visit www.esgr.mil.