Service and sacrifice come in many forms. In addition to their responsibilities as city employees, there is a group of Arlington Police Officers who also continue to serve our nation in the military Guard and Reserve. The Arlington Police Department works diligently to ensure that these men and women are cared for during their absence from Arlington and that their families are supported. For these ongoing efforts, the department recently received a state award and has been announced as a finalist in a national award presented by the Secretary of Defense.
The Arlington Police Department is one of 30 employer finalists for the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. A military Guard or Reserve employee nominated the department for the honor and the Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR) selected the finalists last week from more than 2,900 nominations. The ESGR recognizes companies that provide support and flexibility for military personnel to advance their civilian careers in addition to transition between military and civilian life. Each year, the Secretary of Defense chooses up to 15 employers who are honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C.
Earlier this month, the Arlington Police Department also received the Pro Patria Award in Austin from the ESGR. This special state honor and the national finalist recognition were both based on a nomination from Arlington Police Lieutenant Kelly Velder, who is also a United States Air Force Master Sergeant reservist.
In the nomination documents for these two prestigious honors, Lt. Velder described the department’s re-integration program for employees returning to civilian life after being deployed overseas and the liaison made available for the employee’s family. The personal touches with his family were also noted. When Lt. Velder’s daughter began having nightmares due to her father’s extended absence, Arlington police officers went to her home and spoke with her to provide comfort and reassurance that she was safe.
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