Kevin Weaver, director of security for Community Medical Centers, received the “Patriot Award” from the United States Department of Defense.

The award is given by the Employer Support of the Guard (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, to recognize employers that support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition by practicing leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.

Arturo Alvarez Jr., ombudsman for the ESGR, presented Weaver with the award.

“It’s the highest award that’s given to an employer from the military,” Alvarez Jr. said.

Weaver was nominated by Spc. Jason Jensen of the Army National Guard. Jensen is on active military duty but also works as a security officer at Community. Alvarez Jr. said the only way to receive this award is to be nominated by a member of the military.

 "I feel incredibly honored to not only be recognized by the U.S. military, but also by my staff who took the time and effort to nominate me for such an award.”

Weaver said the training that officers receive in the military really prepares them for security careers.

“They have to make quick decisions on their feet and that experience from the military goes hand-in-hand with what we do within security.”

This story was written by Jennifer Avila-Allen. She can be reached at javila@communitymedical.org.