Dula receives Patriot Award

Taylor Dula, Assistant Dean for Student Services in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, has been awarded a Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) office.  She was nominated by Jennifer Hunt, graduate coordinator for the college and Captain, Public Health Officer in the 134th Medical Group, 134th Air Refueling Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard.

In her nomination, Ms. Hunt said “Dr. Dula has been extremely helpful and supportive of my military career…she has always gracefully worked to help me adjust to both leaving and returning to my civilian job.”  

An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating Service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.  Dr. Dula’s award was formally presented on August 6, 2024. 

“Taylor Dula is absolutely deserving of this award from ESGR,” continued Ms. Hunt. “She has been truly supportive of not only myself, but my family any time my husband or I have been called away, sometimes at short notice.”

ESGR is Department of Defense office established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service member and their civilian employers.

“Being a dual-military family is not easy, concluded Ms. Hunt, “but having an understanding person like Taylor has made all the difference and it was my most esteemed honor to nominate her and for her to be recognized for all of the amazing support she has provided to me and my family over the years.”