Employees of the Schneider Regional Medical Center and the Virgin Islands Port Authority were recently presented with the Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Shenella Pogson, SRMC’s director of pre-operative services received the award at the hospital (above left), while Jeanine Blyden, a warehouse supervisor at V.I.P.A., received the award.
Ms. Pogson was nominated by Linda Esprit, a specialist in the Virgin Islands Army National Guard because of the support Ms. Pogson has shown for Ms. Esprit’s military service, ESGR said.
“I want to thank Ms. Esprit for acknowledging the assistance that I have provided her, because there is life outside of work,” Ms. Pogson said. “I appreciate the employees coming to work and putting in a hundred percent at work every day.”
ESGR Chairman Stanley Jones thanked Ms. Esprit for nominating Ms. Pogson. “I want to congratulate you for making the nomination. By recognizing employers, ESGR gets to showcase what its all about, support, support, support, for our military service members,” Mr. Jones said.
Ms. Blyden was nominated by Omari Forde, a specialist in the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, 610th Quartermaster Company. Mr. Forde nominated Ms. Blyden because she understands and supports his military duty even when it’s on short notice, the release said.
“My supervisor deserves this recognition because she goes beyond the call of her duties,” he said. “She has a great understanding when it comes to me leaving for military duty. Whether it may be short notice or in advance, she handles every situation with the highest act of professionalism.”
Ms. Blyden said of Mr. Forde, “He has been a breath of fresh air. Honestly, since he came to the department, he has been a great help to all of us.”
Mr. Forde, a storekeeper in the Port Authority’s warehouse section, is said to appreciate all that his supervisor does to support his military service.
“She makes it very easy for me to report for duty and not have to worry about job security while being out,” said Mr. Forde. “She also helps out in any capacity possible to keep my work on a steady flow, which results in less of a work pile up upon my return from military duty.”
According to the release, Mr. Forde’s military training impacts the department.
“Its sad sometimes when he has to go on military leave,” Ms. Blyden said. “But we try to maintain it, because when he comes back, he makes it so much easier for us.”
Mr. Jones was assisted by Hollis McIntosh, who is the area chair of St. Croix, in making the presentation at the V.I.P.A. St. Thomas warehouse.
When Mr. Forde heard about the Patriot Award during a military outreach briefing, he knew he had to make a nomination.
“I don’t have that down feeling on Sunday about coming to work on Monday. I look forward to Monday,” he said. “I enjoy coming to work.”
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