Renowned Eye Surgeon, Dr. Stewart Shofner Proudly Received The Pro-Patria Award Presented by The Tennessee ESGR Committee
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) April 30, 2014 -- Renowned Eye Surgeon, Dr. Stewart Shofner of Shofner Vision Center was recently awarded the Pro Patria Award for his support in employing USAF Reservist, Lt. Col. Kevin Johnson. This is the highest level award that may be bestowed by a state ESGR committee. “I am truly honored and humbled to have received the Above and Beyond Award, the Patriot Award and most recently the Pro Patria Award,” says Dr. Shofner.
The award was presented by Retired Veteran, Mr. Carl E. Lambert, CW4, Tennessee Chairman of the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR) on Friday, March 21, 2014.
Shofner Vision Center is well known for its support of the military. In addition to receiving this award, ESGR Announced that Dr. Shofner is one of the 30 finalists for the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which is the highest award given to employers. “We really hope that other companies in Nashville will join us in hiring Veterans and appreciate that their service and commitment is completely voluntary,” says Dr. Shofner.
Pro Patria Award
ESGR’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large and one public sector employer in his or her state or territory. Shofner Vision Center was the small company recipient in Tennessee. Award winners have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserves.
To qualify for the Above and Beyond Award, a company must first be honored with the Patriot Award. Above and Beyond award winners are then eligible for the Pro Patria Award. Finally, Pro Patria winners are eligible for the Freedom Award.
Freedom Award
The Freedom Award is the Defense Department’s highest award given to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees. The 30 finalists were selected from 2,864 nominations submitted by state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve offices. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), which is part of the Department of Defense (DoD), selected 30 employers as finalists for the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom award is the Defense Department’s highest honor given to employers for exceptional support of National Guard and Reserve employees.
“These 30 employers have gone above and beyond to provide our military men and women as well as their families the absolute best support possible,” said ESGR Executive Director Ronald G. Young. “An employer's support is just as critical as a military member’s family support and we are proud to have a way to recognize these outstanding employers through this program.”
About Shofner Vision Center
Dr. Shofner's father was a highly decorated Marine General who participated in more combat than any Marine officer in WWII. He also led the one of the few successful escape from a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Dr. Kevin Johnson is active in the US Air Force Reserves. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force F-16 "Top Eye" program, and participated in the Air Force evaluation of PRK/LASIK for Air Force Academy Cadets and Pilots. Both Dr. Shofner and Dr. Johnson are extremely committed to giving back to our Servicemen and Servicewomen and their families who sacrifice so much for our country.
Services for Military
Shofner Vision Center provides considerable financial support to a number of not-for-profit organizations that support the military and their families. Shofner Vision Center offers special LASIK programs for Wounded Warriors providing free LASIK for any Serviceman or Servicewoman who has trouble with glasses or contacts because of a lost limb while in combat. Dr. Shofner also offers very affordable vision correction surgery prices for Veterans, Reservists, and Active Duty Serviceman and Servicewomen and their families.
Shofner Vision Center embraces those who serve in the military and has provided LASIK (or PRK) for many Pilots, Soldiers, and even Snipers. Any active duty serviceman or servicewoman unable to obtain qualified LASIK (or PRK) from the Military prior to deployment to a combat zone can receive their LASIK at no cost from Shofner Vision Center. We also have special LASIK programs for Wounded Warriors providing free LASIK for any Serviceman or Servicewoman who has lost a limb in combat.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, Shofner Vision Center, http://www.shofnervisioncenter.com, +1 (615) 340-4733, [email protected]
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