Dr. Tonjua Williams, Senior Vice President, Student Services, St. Petersburg College receives the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense

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ST Pete Dr Williams Pic

Clearwater, Florida – James Dicks, Chairman of the Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Tonjua Williams, Sr. VP Student Services, St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, Florida received the Department of Defense Patriot Award for her exceptional support of the members of the Guard and Reserve that are employed by the organization. The award was requested by United States Air Force Reserve Captain Dr. Eric Carver. In his nomination Captain Carver said that “Dr. Williams is highly supportive of employees who serve in reserve and guard status. Dr. Williams is not only an example, but a “rare asset” in a large organization that works diligently toward excellence. Rather than see an individual’s reserve or guard commitment as a hindrance, she leverages the skills learned during military service to optimize excellence within the organization.” The award was presented to Dr. Williams (Pictured center) on behalf of the DOD by LTC Roger Trout (USAR-Ret) (Pictured Right) and Mrs Colleen Trout, members of the Florida ESGR committee. Pictured left is the nominator Captain Eric Carver, US Air Force Reserve.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is an office of the Department of Defense established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. As the 35 thousand members of the National Guard and Reserve in Florida and Nationally 1.3 million members continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at Floridaesgr.com, or by calling Michael Negron of the Florida ESGR Committee, at (407)353-3301.

 

About Jeff Cavanagh

Jeff Cavanagh spent his freshman year at St. Petersburg Junior College back in the early 70s before enlisting in the United States Navy. Soon after, he attended Jacksonville University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. After college, he was commissioned and became a qualified Surface Warfare Officer spending the next 22 years honing his skills as a ship-handler and expert recruiter before retiring in 1994. Jeff expresses a deep sense of pride in St. Petersburg College due to connections that go back many years. His father, Tom Cavanagh, was a career Air Force fighter pilot and combat veteran who taught Geography and Western Civilization at St. Petersburg Junior College in the 60’s and 70’s.