Patriot award goes to Troy University official Walters Published March 14, 2013 By Senior Airman Michael Ellis 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Military members often receive much praise for their selfless service and the many sacrifices that come with the call of duty. Oftentimes gone unnoticed, is the man or woman dressed in civilian attire, who play contributing roles in the success of these members and of our nation. Last month, a local member of the community was recognized in a ceremony for her support of a citizen-warrior at Troy University's Tampa branch. Carol Walters, site coordinator for Troy University, was nominated by her employee who is a member of the Florida Air National Guard, Airman 1st Class Brad Reinert, for her supporting efforts in Reinert's military and civilian careers. Walters was given the Patriot Award lapel pin and a certification of appreciation. With citizen warriors, juggling both military training and duty requirements in one's civilian career can be extremely difficult progression. On multiple occasions Reinert was put on standby for deployment with his unit from Patrick Air Force Base. As his supervisor, Walters explained how she couldn't imagine any employer or boss doing anything but being 100 percent supportive. "Each time my answer was simply yes," said Walters, who also stated she felt honored to be in a position to support Reinert's military career. The Patriot Award is given annually to recognize a supervisor or boss of an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between these members and their civilian employers.