Troy Girrens Garners Patriot Award for Employer Support

Congratulations to Troy Girrens, KCNSC Sr. Technical Manager, for recently receiving the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) Patriot Award for the accommodations he made for Technical Manager Sam Peterson, a member of the Navy Reserve. The Patriot Award recognizes those managers and supervisors who support their employed service member through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence.

“I feel it is important to support our service members as they have given -- and many continue to give -- their time and talent to support our nation’s great military,” Troy said. “Any time they are serving our country, they are not just away from their job here at KCNSC, but more importantly, they are away from their families. If I can take some of the stress of being away from them by easing their minds about work that is the least I can do to support them.”

Troy has been highly supportive of Sam’s reserve duty and has made it as seamless as possible for him to participate in reserve activities.

“(Troy) coordinates with others to cover my duties while I am out and fosters an atmosphere of teamwork that makes it all work,” Sam explained. “His support also makes it easy for me to support a reservist among my direct reports. The ‘above-and-beyond’ support provided by Troy and KCNSC are critical to enabling reservists in our organization to fulfill their duties."

Shawn Geib, Director of Security and Executive Sponsor for the Veteran’s Network, believes Troy sets an example that other leaders should follow, as his guidance and support of reservists is critical to the readiness and strength of the U.S. military.

“The KCNSC has many heroes that have answered the nation’s call to serve, and some of these men and women continue to provide support through reserve duty,” Shawn explained. “Leaders like Troy make this a reality without all the worry. He has provided a comfort in knowing that what his employee is doing is supported at the highest levels of our organization.”

Troy graciously accepted his award in a small, socially-distanced ceremony last month. He says that those who have served and continue to serve are truly deserving of any recognition.

“I am extremely humbled to receive this award. It is Sam and all of our Veterans and service members that truly deserve to be recognized for all of their extraordinary contributions and sacrifices they have made for our country,” Troy concluded.