District leader receives U.S. Department of Defense Employer Patriot Award
District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Program with its prestigious Employer Patriot Award. Dr. Shortelle is pictured with Governing Board Chairman Gen. Douglas Burnett, who served 47 years in the Florida National Guard, including as its commanding officer.
District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Program with its prestigious Employer Patriot Award. Dr. Shortelle is pictured with Governing Board Chairman Gen. Douglas Burnett, who served 47 years in the Florida National Guard, including as its commanding officer.
PALATKA, Fla., March 10, 2021 — St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Program with its prestigious Employer Patriot Award for the agency’s strong support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. District Governing Board Chairman Gen. Douglas Burnett, retired commanding officer of the Florida National Guard, presented the award to Dr. Shortelle at the board’s regular monthly meeting on March 9.
Nominated by District regional water supply planning coordinator and longtime Coast Guard Senior Reserve Officer John Fitzgerald, Dr. Shortelle was recognized for “contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”
“By valuing and enabling their military service, you make it possible for our Citizen-Warriors to balance the demanding individual responsibilities of both civilian employment and our national defense,” said Ronald E. Bogle, ESGR Program national chair, in a recent letter. “Your demonstrated spirit of cooperation and patriotism are in the highest traditions of our Nation, and ESGR proudly salutes you for your well-deserved recognition.”
Gen. Burnett commended Dr. Shortelle for having “gone the extra mile” and praised Guard and Reserve personnel for bringing the skills they learn at their civilian jobs to their military service, as well as recognizing District staff who fill in the gaps while their colleagues are serving.
Dr. Shortelle has served as executive director of the St. Johns District since June 2015.