FirstHealth Nurse Manager Awarded Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award

Pictured is Frank Blalock, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve North Carolina
committee member; Gabriel Petersen, R.N., Judi Russell, R.N., Patriot Award recipient;
and Angie Stone, MSN, R.N., administrative director, inpatient cardiac services.

PINEHURST, N.C. — Judith Russell, R.N., nurse manager, CCU, was recently awarded the Patriot Award, an award created by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees that have answered their nation’s call to duty.

Russell was nominated for the award by employee Gabriel Petersen, R.N., who serves in the Army Reserve, for the support she has provided to Gabe as he answers the call to serve. The award also recognizes the corporate culture at FirstHealth that has allowed Gabe the opportunity to continue to serve his country.

“I really appreciate the support Judi and FirstHealth have provided me as a member of the Army Reserve,” said Petersen. “When called to serve, our employers have to let us go, but they don’t have to be nice about it. Judi was beyond supportive of me. Despite being in the middle of a pandemic and leaving my team at FirstHealth, who were already stretched, to serve alongside another team of service members, I always felt encouraged and supported by Judi. I’m extremely grateful.”