Supporting a Commitment to Serve

Ruth Aguiar, director of Finance and Supply Chain Systems at ChristianaCare, received the Patriot Award from the Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in recognition of her support for caregivers serving in the military.

Aguiar was nominated by Sonny Maiorano, an associate systems analyst and member of the Delaware Air National Guard. Maiorano, who has been with ChristianaCare for 20 years, wanted to recognize his director for her ongoing encouragement and support of his military service.

“We have a small team that is loaded with work, and it means a lot that I can have an easy conversation with my manager to request time off for service,” said Maiorano, who also is a member of the Salutes! Employee Resource Group, made up of more than 100 caregivers from ChristianaCare who participate in community activities for veterans, active duty, their families, friends and allies.

“Ruth has been very supportive and encouraging, so it felt natural for me to nominate her for ESGR’s Patriot Award,” he said.

Aguiar is one of several ChristianaCare caregivers in recent years to receive the Patriot Award, which was created by the ESGR, a Department of Defense office, to recognize individuals who provide outstanding support to employees who serve.

The award acknowledges the efforts made by supervisors and employees to accommodate service members, including flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment and leaves of absence when needed.