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188th Wing presents Poteau Public Schools superintendent with ESGR Patriot Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cody Martin
  • 188th Wing
POTEAU, Okla. --  Dr. Don Sjoberg, superintendent of Poteau Public Schools, was recently awarded the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve force as a patriotic employer.

The award was presented to Sjoberg Nov. 10, 2015, by Col. Tenise Gardner, Lt. Col. Judith Mathewson and 2nd Lt. Alcides Silva.

Silva, 188th Force Support Squadron personnel officer, nominated Sjoberg for this award. Silva works with new Airmen in the 188th Wing Student Flight to prepare them for Basic Training.

As a civilian, Silva is a Poteau High School teacher and coach for cross-country running and boys soccer.

"When I was interested in pursuing an officer position on base, Dr. Sjoberg was very supportive of my decision and encouraged me in doing so," said Silva. "I'm blessed to work with him and for Poteau Public schools."

The ESGR is a Department of Defense office created to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers, to promote a culture in which all American employers value military service of their employees and offers a program whereby military members can show their support in return.

188th Wing presents Poteau Public Schools superintendent with ESGR Patriot Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cody Martin
  • 188th Wing
POTEAU, Okla. --  Dr. Don Sjoberg, superintendent of Poteau Public Schools, was recently awarded the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve force as a patriotic employer.

The award was presented to Sjoberg Nov. 10, 2015, by Col. Tenise Gardner, Lt. Col. Judith Mathewson and 2nd Lt. Alcides Silva.

Silva, 188th Force Support Squadron personnel officer, nominated Sjoberg for this award. Silva works with new Airmen in the 188th Wing Student Flight to prepare them for Basic Training.

As a civilian, Silva is a Poteau High School teacher and coach for cross-country running and boys soccer.

"When I was interested in pursuing an officer position on base, Dr. Sjoberg was very supportive of my decision and encouraged me in doing so," said Silva. "I'm blessed to work with him and for Poteau Public schools."

The ESGR is a Department of Defense office created to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers, to promote a culture in which all American employers value military service of their employees and offers a program whereby military members can show their support in return.