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Native Nabs Defense Honor |
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Tuesday, 17 November 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
COLUMBUS — A St. Marys native recently received an award for her dedication to those who serve the country.
Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson recently received the Employer Patriot Award from the United States Department of Defense for her support of military issues. The award also recognizes Hudson's dedication to Ohio service members and ODI employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
"We are an employer just like a lot of folks all across the country, we have members of our staff here who are part of the National Guard and the Reserve," Hudson told The Evening Leader. "Periodically those individuals have to go on active duty so what we do is try to make sure they are fully supported and we make sure if they are on active duty their country is first. Everyone on our staff is very good about filling in for those folks."
Hudson said the actions taken by the Ohio Department of Insurance are policies that are to be followed in regard to those who serve in the military. Hudson said she was proud to receive the award and commended all of the employees at the ODI.
"I was very proud and honored to receive this recognition and I am also proud to work with such a supportive group of individuals," Hudson said.
She said those who work at the department fully support their co-workers who strive to serve Ohio and their country.
"I think everyone here at the department of insurance is very supportive of our colleagues who take time to serve in the National Guard and Reserve," Hudson said. "Everyone here is willing to go the extra mile at work so their colleagues can serve our country as well."
Hudson gave an example of an employee who serves in both capacities.
"For example one of our attorneys is in the military," Hudson said. "He serves as an attorney for those in the military and he has duty shifts domestically several times a year. We work around that schedule and other folks will chip in and help make sure we keep our work moving."
Coinciding with the award, Hudson also signed a "Statement of Support."
"By signing the Department of Defense Statement of Support, Director Hudson pledged that ODI will: fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA), ensure ODI managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve and will continually recognize and support the country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war," a news release from the ODI stated.
Hudson said the department recognized the need to uphold the policies for those who serve.
"Our policies and practices that help those folks in the military make sure they can complete their service without interruptions in their jobs," Hudson said. "Even though the award was given to me as the director it really is a recognition of the teamwork displayed by everyone here at the Ohio Department of Insurance."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 December 2009 )
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