The Department of Defense (DoD) honored Donna Robinson, CEO of Nina Hale, with the Patriot Award for the extraordinary support she provides to NH employee and National Guard member, Mason Widmer.
Widmer – who has served as a Sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard for six years – nominated Robinson for the prestigious Patriot Award. In his nomination, Widmer recognized that Donna Robinson demonstrates patriotism by providing him ample flexibility and time off from agency work to train and develop as a service member.
“When Mason approached us about his passion to serve in the National Guard, we immediately agreed to support him and his team with a plan that wouldn’t compromise his work or commitments to either organization,” stated Donna Robinson. “Our country relies on U.S. Guard and Reserve Service members and we commend him for his service.”
Through a DoD program called Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the Patriot Award is awarded to individuals who unequivocally support citizen service members 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.
“As a member in the Minnesota National Guard, I’m incredibly grateful to work for an employer who gives military service members their full support,” stated Widmer. “As a media buyer for multiple clients, my work requires quick turnarounds and can get very busy. I deeply appreciate and respect that Nina Hale was willing to work with me to make a customized plan so I can do both jobs successfully. Not every company provides its employees with this level of personalized attention.”
The ESGR 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. Employer support enhances retention rates in the Armed Forces and, in the end, strengthens national security.
