Gearhart, Robinson to Receive Patriot Awards for Support of National Guard and Reserve

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart and Vice Chancellor Charles Robinson will receive Patriot Awards from the U.S. Department of Defense at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 in the Multicultural Center at the Arkansas Union. The awards will be presented by representatives from the Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Jon Woodham and Kyle Fischer, and Col. Mark Anderson, Wing Commander of the 188th Wing, Air National Guard unit based in Fort Smith.

The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors and managers for their support of an employee who is serving in the National Guard or the Military Reserve. The employee must make a nomination to the Office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. This Department of Defense office was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

Gearhart and Robinson were nominated by Major Danielle Wood, who serves in the 188th Wing of the Air National Guard based in Fort Smith. Wood is director and EEO Officer in the University of Arkansas Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.

In her nomination she cited Chancellor Gearhart for his uncompromising support for veterans on campus, particularly his role in establishing the Veterans Task Force, aimed at making the U of A more accessible to veterans. The Task Force’s recommendations led to several policy changes at the university, including creation of the Veterans Resource and Information Center, to support student veterans.

On a personal level Wood also noted the chancellor’s support of her Guard service, including the university’s policies of continuing salary and benefits for Guard members when they are called for active duty.

In nominating Robinson, who, as vice chancellor for diversity and community, is her supervisor, Wood acknowledged his support of her military career and of her as an employee. She also noted his support for hiring veterans and for the Veterans Upward Bound program at the University of Arkansas.