Pictured from left to right are Retired Army and ESGR volunteer, Chris Cole; U.S. Army Reserves, Sgt. 1st Class and Erlanger Respiratory Care Clinical Manager, Terry W. Ellis, Jr.; Erlanger President and CEO, Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE; Erlanger Vice President of Operations, Tanner Goodrich; Erlanger Executive Vice President and COO, Robert M. Brooks, FACHE; and Erlanger Director of Respiratory Care, Lisa Caldwell.
The Tennessee Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense organization, saluted Erlanger Health System for its outstanding support of employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve during a brief ceremony on July 1.
As a member of the U.S.
Army Reserves, Sgt. 1st Class Terry W. Ellis, Jr., RRT, nominated Erlanger for the award. Ellis has served in the Army Reserves for 26 years while still working at Erlanger as a respiratory care manager. His duties in the Army Reserves include monthly Reserve requirements of one weekend each month and additional two to three weeks each year for training.
“I wanted to recognize Erlanger for the support they have provided me over the 20 years I have worked here,” said Ellis. “It is important that our region know how well Erlanger’s leadership and management cares for the employees currently serving in the Reserve and National Guard.”
Chattanooga military veteran, Chris Cole, who devotes his time as a volunteer to the ESGR, presented The Seven Seals Award to Erlanger’s President and CEO, Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE; Executive Vice President and COO, Robert M. Brooks, FACHE; Vice President of Operations, Tanner Goodrich; and Director of Respiratory Care, Lisa Caldwell for their continuing support of employees in the National Guard and Reserve. Erlanger Health System also received the Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their employees additional, non-mandated benefits while they serve.
“The unique aspect about most ESGR awards is that they originate from the service members’, like Terry Ellis, who desire to see their employer recognized instead of the more common situation where supervisors nominate their employees for an award,” said Mr. Cole. “In reality, the National Guard and Reserves could not exist without the employers. We are proud to recognize Erlanger’s leadership and management for their support.”
Retired Army Lieutenant General, Don Rodgers, spoke to Erlanger’s representatives after the presentation, congratulating Erlanger for the recognition.
“I was delighted to hear that Erlanger Health System has been recognized by the Department of Defense as an organization that supports our service men and women,” said Lieutenant General Rodgers. “This is especially important when individuals serving in local units or deployed are supported and not forgotten by their employer. Thanks to Mr. Terry Ellis for helping to bring this recognition to Erlanger.”