Excelsior Springs, MO – Excelsior Springs Hospital was recognized by the Missouri Employer Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) with a Freedom Award from the Secretary of Defense Employer Support. According to their website “ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives.” The hospital was one of only 46 employers in Missouri to be recognized with this honor from employees in the Guard and Reserve. Excelsior Springs Hospital was nominated by their employee, Sgt. Jerad Blocker. By being selected for the Freedom Award, Excelsior Springs Hospital will now be eligible for the Liberty Award, which is the top award for employers in the state.
Making the ceremony even more meaningful was the additional celebration of Sgt. Blocker from the Army National Guard. Sgt. Blocker retired after serving for 22 years in the service of the United States. Blocker, who plans to continue working for Excelsior Springs Hospital, was given a surprise party with some of his favorite treats on hand to share with the hospital staff. Blocker addressed those in attendance thanking them for their support throughout the years. “Thank you, this wouldn’t, be possible if I didn’t have this support at home. In a sense, thank you to all of you as well… If we didn’t have the backing. like I have here, it wouldn’t be possible to have soldiers like myself,” said Blocker.
The representative from ESGR said he looks forward to working with Excelsior Springs Hospital in the future and helping them with other awards available from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, such as the “Patriot Award,” “Above & Beyond,” “Seven Seals”, and more.
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