JC doctor presented Patriot Award

Dr. Tamara Hopkins, center, was presented Friday with the Patriot Award. Her employee Tina Kliethermes, right, nominated her for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognition because of her understanding and accomodative support when she has to be gone from work, sometimes on very short notice. ESGR Program Suport Specialist Steven Brothers, at left, presented the award. Tina's husband, CW3 James Kliethermes, with the 1-135th Aviation Battalion from Whiteman Air Force Base, is currently in Afghanistan on his second deployment. Also present was the Kliethermes' daughter Kirsten, a senior at Cole R-V in Eugene. She brought along with her "Flat Daddy," which is a large photograph of James mounted on foam core board. Flat Daddy goes everywhere with them and is frequently photographed at gatherings and events.
Dr. Tamara Hopkins, center, was presented Friday with the Patriot Award. Her employee Tina Kliethermes, right, nominated her for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognition because of her understanding and accomodative support when she has to be gone from work, sometimes on very short notice. ESGR Program Suport Specialist Steven Brothers, at left, presented the award. Tina's husband, CW3 James Kliethermes, with the 1-135th Aviation Battalion from Whiteman Air Force Base, is currently in Afghanistan on his second deployment. Also present was the Kliethermes' daughter Kirsten, a senior at Cole R-V in Eugene. She brought along with her "Flat Daddy," which is a large photograph of James mounted on foam core board. Flat Daddy goes everywhere with them and is frequently photographed at gatherings and events.

The Missouri National Guard's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) on Friday presented a Patriot Award to Dr. Tamara Hopkins at her practice on Christy Court.

Hopkins is an oncologist who practices in Jefferson City.

Tina Kliethermes, an employee of Hopkins, nominated the doctor because of her support when Kliethermes' husband was deployed to Afghanistan. Kliethermes said Hopkins was "highly supportive of my husband's National Guard service and supportive, accommodating and understanding to my needs as a spouse."

Other Missouri employers will also be honored for their support of military service. For a complete list, visit www.esgr.mil/Employers/Statement-of-Support.

The ESGR is a Department of Defense agency that seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of guardsmen and reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

The ESGR develops and promotes employer support of the Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

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