Lewiston, ME (5/9/23) – Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Monika Bissell, President of Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP), recently received a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. 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. Maine ESGR is particularly proud to present MCHP with the Patriot Award for their strong support of their employees and students serving in our nation’s Reserve forces. Dr. Alexander Clifford of the Maine Army National Guard, 120th Regional Support Group, nominated Dr. Bissell for the Patriot Award. In nominating Dr. Bissell, Dr. Clifford said: “Since the American Revolution when we had local militia and the Minutemen, employers have always sacrificed their own productivity and continuity for a higher calling: American Freedom. In this aspect, very little has changed about our employers supporting those National Guard members who are called to service. President Bissell and her faculty and staff at Maine College of Health Professions have consistently, willingly, and with a sense of American Patriotism supported not only my military service, but also the military service of the dozens of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who become students. It is humbling to feel such great support from those you work with daily.”

Presenting the award to Dr. Bissell on behalf of ESGR were Michael Splane, Agency Owner of Splane Insurance Solutions LLC and State PR Director ESGR, and Peter Brunette, Employer Outreach Coordinator ESGR. Mr. Splane said that recognizing and paying tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces is critical and an honor. It would be difficult for those in military service to perform their mission without employer support. National Guard and Reserves members are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective, and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. Senator King’s Regional Representative, Ben Tucker, attended the presentation. Mr. Tucker said that the work of the National Guard is crucially important, as is civilian support of guardsmen. He applauds Dr. Bissell’s support of the National Guard as supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.

Maine College of Health Professions enriches lives through providing exceptional education in health professions, supporting student success, and inspiring lifelong learning. MCHP emphasizes interpersonal, interprofessional, and community collaboration and prioritizes excellence in patient care, student learning, and scholarship. MCHP offers associate degree education in health sciences, nursing, and radiologic technology, as well as bachelor of science
degrees in healthcare administration, medical imaging, and nursing. MCHP also provides certificate programs in computed tomography, mammography, medical assisting, nurse’s assistant, phlebotomy, practical nursing, and sonography.

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of National Guard and Reserve members in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for the National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the Department of Defense.