Aspirus St. Luke’s Nursing Leader Receives National Patriot Award

Aspirus St. Luke’s (ASL) Critical Care Unit Manager Brittney Kurhajetz has been honored with the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). 

Kurhajetz earned the Patriot Award after Nurse Omayo Ogunnow nominated her for being so accommodating of her military duties. The Patriot Award for supervisors recognizes managers who go above and beyond to support Guard/Reserve members and their families to balance civilian jobs with military duties.  

“This is a great honor for me both personally and professionally,” said ASL Critical Care Unit Manager Brittney Kurhajetz. “Supporting our members of the military is simply the right thing to do. Their service and sacrifices matter. I want to do whatever I can to ensure they are able to succeed both in their military duties and civilian careers.” 

Kurhajetz also signed a Statement of Support, pledging the commitment of ASL to stand behind employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The statement of support is part of a national ESGR initiative that encourages positive relationships between employers and their Guard and Reserved employees.  

The award was presented to Kurhajetz by long-time ESGR Volunteer Frank Godec of Hibbing. ESGR is a Department of Defense volunteer organization that provides free education, consultation and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. Their goal is to support America’s employers who share their employees with the Country to ensure its national security.