NEVADA, IOWA – In honor of our long tradition of support for members of the military, Story County Medical Center received the Patriotic Employer Award presented by the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office. A ceremony was held outside the medical center on April 26, led by ESGR Volunteer Jim Freese. Story Medical was nominated for the award by Pharmacy Director Paul Groteluschen, who is a Colonel in the National Guard.
“Supportive employers like Story County Medical Center are vital to the success of our mission and the defense of this nation,” says Becky Coady, Iowa ESGR state chair. “Our Guard and Reserve members could not perform their military duty without knowing their civilian employers support them 100-percent.”
Groteluschen was deployed to Kosovo from February 2018 to February 2019. He says during that time it became clear to him that Story Medical was an exceptional employer.
"The employees from all departments went above and beyond what any service member would want for soldier and family support," Groteluschen says, citing specifically surprise parties before he left and after he returned, along with regular care packages employees prepared for him and his family throughout his deployment. "The employees are what makes this hospital a great place to work, and I cannot thank them enough for their soldier and family support during my deployment."
CEO Nate Thompson received the award on behalf of all employees.
An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or a spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individuals who provided direct support to the nominating Service member and his/her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. Patriot Awards are issued through the Department of Defense and are presented to recipients by ESGR volunteers.
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About Story Medical
For more than 60 years, Story County Medical Center, Story Medical Clinics and Story Medical Senior Care have been the trusted providers of high-quality, local healthcare services for the residents of Story County. Their modern South Campus creates a healing environment that matches the personalized care and clinical expertise of its medical staff. Visit www.StoryMedical.org for more information.