Edmonds CC President Jean Hernandez receives Patriot Award

08/13/15

Edmonds CC President Jean Hernandez receives the Patriot award from retired U.S. Navy Captain Michael Kidd from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Edmonds College President Jean Hernandez received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) on August 7.

The Patriot Award goes out to an individual employer (rather than an entire organization), for their outstanding support of Reserve and National Guard employees.

"My father is a WWII veteran, and we grew up feeling proud to be Americans,” said President Hernandez.  “Receiving the Patriot Award from the ESGR is one of the highlights of my career, and I am so proud of Edmonds CC for being Vet Strong."

The nomination came from Lieutenant Melanie Asplund, an Edmonds CC alumna who was also present for the award ceremony.

“President Jean Hernandez actively supports the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) ensuring that appropriate facilities and equipment are available,” said Asplund. “Fellow veteran classmates and I appreciate the consistently enthusiastic support from President Hernandez that directly affects the work and school environment.”

The VRC staff acts as an effective interface to the school and community to ensure reservists, active duty, and veterans are supported, represented and understood.

“Jean has been a huge supporter of all service members and veterans on our campus, and we’re very excited to see her get this award,” said Chris Szarek, Edmonds CC Director of the Veterans Resource Center. 

President Hernandez accepted the award from retired U.S. Navy Captain Michael Kidd from the ESGR. Also present at the award ceremony were Szarek, and several other Edmonds CC staff members.

The ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.