NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEBRASKA STATE PATROL
www.nsp.state.ne.us
Contact:  Deb Collins 402-479-4985
February 29, 2008   

Patrol Honored with Patriot Award

(Lincoln., NE) – The Nebraska State Patrol was honored on Friday, February 29, 2008, with the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, “Patriot Award.”  The award was presented during a ceremony at the Nebraska State Patrol State Headquarters in Lincoln.

Trooper Samuel Mortensen, duty station Troop C- Grand Island, nominated the Nebraska State Patrol for the award.  Trooper Mortensen is a Lance Corporal in the USMC Reserve stationed in Omaha.

In his nomination letter, Trooper Mortensen expressed his gratification for the flexibility and support provided him by the Nebraska State Patrol.   Trooper Mortensen wrote, “My employer changes my days off so I don’t have to use vacation to attend drill or training.” Trooper Mortensen has been with the agency for five years.

In the early days of the Iraqi war, the Patrol had 17 members called to active duty.   There are currently four agency employees on military leave.

“The Nebraska State Patrol appreciates the dedication and commitment of its citizen soldiers,” said Colonel Bryan Tuma, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.  “They are going above and beyond the call of duty and it is our responsibility as their employer to do whatever we can to help them be successful in all aspects of their life.”

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) chairman Arlo Bower presented the Patriot Award to Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Tuma, honoring the Nebraska State Patrol as a “Patriotic Employer.”

The award on behalf of the Department of Defense recognizes deserving employers whose support and goodwill are important to retaining highly skilled and qualified members of the Guard and Reserve.

Trooper Samuel Mortensen joins Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Bryan Tuma to accept the "Patriot Award" from ESGR Chairman Arlo Bower