MADERA (KMJ) — Valley Children’s Healthcare now has to its name the ESGR’s “Above and Beyond Award,” which celebrates its treatment of military personnel in its employment.
It was handed to CEO Todd Suntrapak during a ceremony inside the group’s Madera County hospital Thursday morning.
“It doesn’t mean you just meet the standards of the California Military and Veterans Code…this is a person that takes it to the next level,” announced retired Brigadier General Jim Combs. “That says ‘I’m going to make sure that it’s right for them and I’m going to do all that I can to care for their families while they’re providing the service.'”
For an organization to qualify it needs to already have the “Patriot Award,” which was handed to a pair of laboratory staff members in October 2016.
An individual honor called the “Seven Seals Award” was also given to Head of Security Christine Jakal, for her initiative and special leadership skills when dealing with military members.
“This has to be concurred on by the entire committee. I only give about seven of those a year,” added Combs.
“This is a tremendous honor,” Jakal told the crowd. “I have a tremendous team. I thank them everyday for the work that they do and the unpredictable things that they arrive to and show up to when you guys pick up the phone and dial 222.”
Both awards are given by the ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve), a Department of Defense program established in 1972 to develop and promote supportive work environments for members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
