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| SCC representatives recently accepted awards for supporting Kameron Buchanan (fourth from left), SCC’s fire/rescue program director, from Ronald E. Bogle (far right), chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Respresenting SCC are, from left: Dr. Thom Brooks, executive vice president for instruction and student services; Lisa Sizemore, director of human resources; Curtis Dowdle, dean of public safety training; and Dr. Don Tomas, president of SCC (between Buchanan and Bogle). |
Not long after Kameron Buchanan learned about his impending Air National Guard deployment overseas, he was assured by Southwestern Community College officials that his job as SCC’s fire/rescue program director would be waiting on him when he returns.
He also discovered that, as a matter of institutional policy and practice, SCC strongly supports all of its employees serving in the nation's Guard and Reserve force, doing even more than federal law requires.
Buchanan does not take that peace of mind lightly.
He was so thankful for the college’s support that he nominated his supervisor, Curtis Dowdle, for the Patriot Award through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) – a U.S. Department of Defense Office established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding with employers regarding an employee’s military commitment.
Buchanan also nominated SCC for the Seven Seals Award, which recognizes significant organizational achievement, initiative or support promoting ESGR’s mission. Presenting the awards to Dowdle and SCC officials was Ronald E. Bogle, a Vietnam Veteran who serves as chair of the ESGR in North Carolina.
"The leadership and support Southwestern Community College provides for its Guard and Reserve employees is outstanding," Bogle said. "Particularly for its service-deployed employees, their strong support eliminates any concern about job security or financial loss while abroad defending the nation. It sets a great example for all of our nation's employers."
For more information about the ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil.
To learn more about SCC and the programs it provides, visit www.southwesterncc.edu.
