Align Vice President Jody Shield Receives Service Member Patriot Award

Shortgo Posted On April 6, 2018

Award recognizes support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Align Vice President Jody Shields was presented with the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award today by ESGR Vice Chair Max Carre.

Major General K. Luke Reiner, the Adjutant General for Wyoming, was in attendance for the award presentation. In remarks to Align employees, the Major General emphasized that Guard members are part of the nation’s operational force, and that family, community and employer support are essential.

“Soldiers and airmen don’t do it in a vacuum,” Reiner said. “The family support and employer support are what makes the Guard strong. From us to you, we can’t thank you enough.”

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made by an individual supervisor to provide support to Guard and Reserve employees. Shields was nominated by Align Program Coordinator Joey Samudio, a member of the Wyoming Army National Guard.

“Jody continuously supports my participation in Guard activities, even if I am given short notice,” Samudio said. “Even when I have to attend Guard training for long periods, she assists in covering my work and ensures the rest of our team is also filling in so that the job gets done.”

Shields has been with Align since 2007, working with clients in the areas of strategic planning, facilitation, leadership development and association management. She also led the effort to revitalize the state association for charitable nonprofits, the Wyoming Nonprofit Network.

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. The program helps foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve.

Align’s mission is to create strong communities by partnering with nonprofits, government and businesses for more impactful, successful organizations and programs.