188th Airman honors supervisors, University of Arkansas with Patriot Award

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Wing Executive Officer

9/23/2014 - FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- One 188th Wing Airman recognized her employer with a Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award during a presentation ceremony held at the University of Arkansas Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education Sept. 19.

Maj. Danielle Wood, 188th Wing Equal Opportunity chief, honored Dr. G. David Gearhart, UA chancellor, and Dr. Charles F. Robinson, UA vice chancellor for diversity and communication, for exhibiting exceptional support of her more than a decade long Air National Guard career.

Dr. Wood is also the UA Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance director in her civilian capacity.

"The University of Arkansas has been very supportive of my career at the 188th Wing," Wood said. "I'm proud to work for an institution that values military service and affords me the honor and privilege of serving my country in the Air National Guard."

Kyle Fisher with Arkansas ESGR presented the accolades and Col. Mark W. Anderson, 188th Wing commander, addressed the gathering.

"Our drill status Guardsmen are essential to the 188th Wing's success," Anderson said. "These members often have to leave their civilian jobs to help the wing complete its mission."

Anderson said many times civilian employers have to fill workload shortfalls when their employees are on duty with the Fort Smith, Arkansas-based 188th serving their country.

"We want the University of Arkansas and all civilian employers of our members to know how much we appreciate their support," Anderson said. "We couldn't do the mission without the support of organizations like the University of Arkansas and strong leaders and patriots like Dr. Gearhart and Dr. Robinson. When your nation calls, it's so important to have an employer that supports your ability to serve your country, knowing that you're going to be able to come back to your job."

The Air National Guard cannot succeed without civilian employer support of its drill status Guardsmen.