Killlmer receives patriot award

Last Tuesday, Juli Graham left her scrubs in the drawer and wore a different uniform to work. 

Graham, a certified medical assistant at Kansas City Internal Medicine and a combat medic with the Missouri Army National Guard's 205th Area Support Medical Company, wore her Army uniform to work that day so she could present her supervisor, Christina Killmer, with a Patriot Award

“Christina has complete understanding of the sacrifice and dedication current Soldiers have to handle,” Graham said. 

“I have always had her complete support and cooperation with all my military duty.”

Graham, along with fellow employees and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve representative Donna McCord, gathered in the waiting room to surprise with the award. Killmer, who was presented with an official certificate and lapel pin, held back tears as Graham told her colleagues of Killmer’s support. 

“This award is just a small token of appreciation for outstanding service in her position to all service members, past and present,” Graham said.

 “It truly eases one’s mind when a Soldier knows that their other family is waiting for them - proud of all that they do here and abroad. Christina has always supported my decision to serve my country and this is my way to say thank you.”

Although Killmer has been a key supporter of Graham’s military service, the presentation marked the first time she had seen her employee in her Army uniform. 

“I’ve known about Graham’s involvement with the National Guard, but seeing her in uniform made it more real,” Killmer said.

The Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot Award is presented to employers for employment policies and practices that support their National Guard and Reserve employees.

“I know that as an employer, I play a critical role of support,” said Killmer, of north Kansas City. “I am just so honored.”

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.