Center recognized for patriotism and commitment

Staff at Family Counseling Center Inc. of Kennett displays an award they received from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizing the employees for their patriotism and support of employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force. [Click to enlarge]

The entire staff at Family Counseling Center Inc. of Kennett was recently recognized for their patriotism and commitment to their co-workers by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Nominated by Thomas L. Karnes, an employee of the company who is currently deployed with the 239th CBCS unit in Bridgton, Mo.

In his nomination letter to the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Karnes said that his employer has done many things for him personally to show their patriotism and support.

"My employer has thrown me going away parties both times I have been gone for an extended amount of time," Karnes said. "The entire staff also pitched in and purchased everything on the list of items recommended for Basic Training."

Prior to his most recent deployment, Karnes said that his supportive company presented him with a cake with an Old Glory theme and $360 cash they had personally raised to go toward the purchases he would need to make regarding items he was required to bring with him.

"They have already sent me a care package that weighed over 23 pounds, containing sunflower seeds, beef jerky, candies, phone cards, and several cards and letters from various co-workers," Karnes said.

He added that his team of supporters sent enough of the items to be shared with others who had also been called to service.

"They are also already preparing another package with other requested items for all the troops so that I can pass those along," Karnes said.

In addition to the personal contributions made by Family Counseling Center employees, the group also worked collectively to gather inspirational cards from children throughout the community for Karnes and other troops.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently honored the staff at Family Counseling Center and presented them with an award recognizing them as a "patriotic employer" and for "contributing to National Security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve force."