Danielle M. Meholic, DNAP, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, has been honored with the Employer Support of the Guard and the Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. This recognition was awarded for her outstanding support of her colleague, Lieutenant Colonel Chuck D. Giordano, MSN, DNP, CRNA, during his military service.
Lt Col Giordano, a nurse anesthetist at the 911th Air Wing in Pittsburgh, nominated Dani for her exceptional management during two of his recent deployments: a short-notice COVID-19 relief mission to New York City and a subsequent deployment to Qatar in 2021. In addition to the ESGR Patriot Award, Lt Col Giordano presented Dani with a personal certificate of appreciation and a challenge coin that was flown over Afghanistan in the final days of the war.
Lt Col Giordano will retire from the U.S. Air Force Reserves in June, following 25 years of dedicated service to our nation.
The ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was founded in 1972 to foster cooperation between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers, ensuring mutual support and understanding. Through its network of 2,300 volunteers across all 50 states and U.S. territories, the ESGR has worked for over five decades to promote a culture where employers value and support the military service of their employees.
The Patriot Award is part of ESGR’s efforts to recognize civilian employers who provide extraordinary support to Guard and Reserve members. It honors supervisors who offer flexible schedules, time off for deployment, family care assistance, and other measures to accommodate the unique needs of military personnel.
Congratulations to Dani for her well-deserved recognition. We are inspired by her dedication to both clinical leadership and personal and professional support of the members of our military who selflessly serve and protect our country.