OLYMPIA, Wash. – Kari Lewinsohn, director of special education at North Thurston Public Schools, was presented with a Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award, by Mary Miller, south sound area co-chair with for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of her employees serving in the Guard and Reserve at a special presentation at the district office.
Lewinsohn was nominated by Army Reserve Lt. Col. Jennifer Buniag, a special education teacher with North Thurston Public Schools. “Ms. Lewinsohn deserves to be recognized for her commitment, dedication, and support to her reservists,” said Buniag. “She is an outstanding supervisor.
“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.”
“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,” said Miller. “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.”
“This is really an honor for me,” said Lewinsohn upon receiving the award. “I really apprecriate it.”
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. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
Pictured: Kari Lewinsohn (middle), director of special education at North Thurston Public Schools, was presented with a Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award, by Mary Miller (far right), south sound area co-chair with for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of extraordinary support of her employees serving in the Guard and Reserve at a special presentation at the district office. Lewinsohn was nominated by Army Reserve Lt. Col. Jennifer Buniag (far left), a special education teacher with North Thurston Public Schools.