BOSTON, MA. December 16, 2009. World famous Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston was the location today for the presentation of a well-deserved Above & Beyond Award. The honor was given to Dr. Yolanda L. Colson, MD, PhD of Brigham and Women's Division of Thoracic Surgery. The Award followed the nomination of Dr. Colson by Staff Sergeant (SSgt) David L. Owens, a member of the staff who is also a flight engineer with the Air Force Reserve. SSgt Owens in his nomination stated; "As a flyer, I spend more time than most reservists maintaining flight status and currency. Dr. Colson arranges my schedule so I can complete my monthly flying requirements without penalty and without using valuable vacation time. She genuinely cares about the missions we carry out and is truly concerned with the well being of all the troops. " The presentation took place in the foyer of the oldest and most historic portion of the hospital.  

The Division of Thoracic Surgery was established in 1988 by an action of the Board of Trustees of Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and was the first academic training program in the United States solely dedicated to the care of patients with non-cardiac thoracic diseases. With the establishment of this Division, the Hospital made a substantial commitment to growth in all areas of clinical thoracic surgery. This commitment is evidenced in the breadth of diagnostic and treatment services available for patients with benign and malignant neoplasms and other disorders of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum and chest wall. On hand to witness the presentation were many members of the division staff.  

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 35 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Eastern Area Chair John Pelose, South Eastern Area Chair and Senior Ombudsman Joachim-Ingo "Ski" Borowski, Awards Director Roger Fortin and Program Support Specialist David St. Germain. 

     

Left to right: SSgt David Owens, Dr. Yolanda L Colson, MD and Mr. John Pelose

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 Members of the Division of Thoracic Surgery with Dr. Colson and MA ESGR Staff members in the back

If you would Sign a Statement of Support or join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, please call us at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil

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