In recognition for his support for citizen soldiers he supervises, BPA supervisor in Professional and Services Purchasing, Jose Rojas humbly accepted the United States Department of Defense Patriot Award on April 4.

Kelli Bowen, a BPA contract specialist and Air Force reservist who spent seven months in Afghanistan, nominated Rojas.

Thankful for the honor, Rojas told the audience, "We sent care packages and supported these heroic service members while they were deployed overseas. I'd like to thank Kelli and all the veterans for their service to our country. I also would like to thank the entire staff for the fantastic job done on the outstanding workload while Kellie was deployed."

"Kelli Bowen is a wonderful soldier who shared the credit of success with her team. Part of her caring spirit is taking care of the people around her," says public utilities specialist and veteran Tony White.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, a division of DOD, solicits nominations from service members of the National Guard and Reservists from all branches of the military. The nominations are reviewed for an employer's contributions supporting participation in the National Guard and Reserve. These contributions often ease stress on spouses who may have taken on more responsibility while their loved one is deployed or on leave for routine training.

Former BPA employee Colonel Bob Windus represented EGSR and made the award presentation. Windus thanked Rojas and asked attendees to continue their support of America's armed forces.