Southwestern Illinois College Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Program Coordinator Keith Otten recently received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves Illinois Committee (ESGR). Pictured, from left, are: SWIC President Nick Mance, ESGR Representative Stan Brasch, Otten, ESGR Representative Paul Pitts, SWIC Dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development Bradley Sparks, and SWIC Chief Academic Officer Gina Segobiano.

The award is presented to a supervisor who contributes to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employees participating in the National Guard and Reserve Forces. SWIC HVAR Adjunct Faculty Member Joseph Deptula, a sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, nominated Otten for the award.

The ESGR is a U.S. Department of Defense program established in 1972 to promote cooperation and support between Reserves and Guard components and their civilian employers. The Illinois ESGR is one of 50 state volunteer committees along with committees in Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.

For more information about ESGR visit ESGR.mil. For information about the SWIC HVAR program, visit swic.edu/hvar.