Alexis Fishbone, NECC director of Financial Aid and Jeff Williams, NECC Veterans Services Coordinator

Northern Essex Community College director of financial aid, Alexis Fishbone of Maynard, recently received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award.

Jeffrey Williams, NECC veterans’ services coordinator who currently serves in the Army Reserve, nominated her for the award. The first in ESGR’s series of awards is the Patriot Award.  An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family.  Patriot Awards are awarded to individual supervisors.

 “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,” according to the ESGR website.

Fishbone received a framed Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation and lapel pin.  The certificate recognizes Fishbone as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve force.

ESGR’s mission is to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

For additional information contact Jeff Williams at jwilliams@necc.mass.edu