Sgt. Jason Graham of Christiana Care’s Department of Public Safety received the Patriot Award from the Delaware Employer Support of Guard Reserve (ESGR) in recognition of his support of military personnel.

Marvin Hackett, a corporal in Public Safety and a master sergeant in the Delaware Army National Guard, nominated Graham for the support he has given Hackett in his military service while employed at Christiana Care.

“I want to recognize Jason Graham and Christiana Care with this award for the support I have received,” said Hackett. “I am very grateful I can give this appreciation though ESGR.”

In his 30 years of service in the Army as a military police officer, Hackett has been on numerous assignments stateside and overseas, including four deployments: Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom Saudi Arabia, Operation Iraqi Freedom Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan.

Hackett was unable to attend the award ceremony at Christiana Hospital on Nov. 11 due to a military commitment.

“Marvin is a great employee and brings many of the values he has learned from the military to his job at Christiana Care, such as teamwork, excellence, integrity and loyalty,” said Graham.

Bruce Blackburn, director of Public Safety, Frank Ingraham, past president of Delaware ESGR, Kim Plusch, talent advisor, Vincent Orlando, LTC, SC Delaware Army National Guard, Jason Graham, sergeant, Public Safety, Audrey Van Luven, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Not pictured is Christiana Care PUblic Safety Cpl. Marvin Hackett, who nominated Graham for the award.
Joining Sgt. Graham for the award presentation were Bruce Blackburn, director of Public Safety, Frank Ingraham, past president of Delaware ESGR, Kim Plusch, talent advisor, Vincent Orlando, LTC, SC, Delaware Army National Guard, Audrey Van Luven, senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

The Patriot Award was created by ESGR, a Department of Defense office, to recognize individuals who provide outstanding support to employees who serve. According to ESGR, the 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.”

“Christiana Care is honored to support our employees who are helping keep America strong,” said Audrey Van Luven, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Christiana Care. “Their service to our country is a testimony to their character and strength. We are grateful to have many vets as our employees.”

Over the past two years, Christiana Care has hired more than 60 veterans. In recognition of this support for military veterans, the health system received the Warrior Friendly Business Award in October from the State of Delaware, the Northern New Castle County and Central Delaware Chambers of Commerce, the Delaware Workforce Investment Board and the ESGR.

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