3 Lab leaders honored for military service support

When it comes to supporting those who serve, leadership makes all the difference. That's why Josh Rowley nominated his managers Ed Cagle, Mark Voss and Nestor Trujillo for the Patriot Award, presented by the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office.

Rowley said the three leaders have gone above and beyond in support of his military commitments, embodying the spirit of service both in and out of uniform. He noted that their recognition speaks volumes about the Lab's culture of respect, flexibility and unwavering support for our nation's service members.

Rowley, a member of the National Guard, enlisted in the Army in 2006 and served two combat deployments to the Middle East, followed by a return to civilian life in 2017. However, his passion for service never waned. In 2019, he joined the National Guard while also starting his career at the Lab.

Rowley must work hard to maintain his professional commitments at the Lab while fulfilling his military duties. He said none of that could happen without the extraordinary support he receives from his managers.

A special symbol of appreciation

The Patriot Award recognizes those who exemplify supporting employees who serve in the military. For Rowley, nominating Cagle, Voss and Trujillo for this honor was a way to express his deep gratitude for understanding the sacrifices he must make and actively working to ease the stress on both his professional and personal life.

Voss, a 24-year employee at the Lab, said the recognition was humbling and unexpected. He emphasized that the award is also a testament to the team's support for military employees.

"Supporting our military employees is crucial," Voss said. "They sacrifice so much for their country, and as a team, we want to support them in any way we can."

Cagle has worked at the Lab since 1990 and also is a veteran.

"I think it should be second nature to support our military personnel," said Cagle, who served in the Air Force. "They're willing to risk their lives for our country, and they are the perfect people to meet the mission here at the Lab."

Trujillo highlighted the importance of communication in fostering a supportive environment.

"If Josh needs time off for a deployment or emergency, we're there for him," Trujillo said. "It's all about making sure he has everything in place so he can focus on his military service, knowing his work at LANL will be waiting for him when he returns."

Supporting the next generation of military employees

Cagle, Voss and Trujillo's dedication to supporting military personnel extends beyond just one individual.

"The military gives you a lot of opportunities to learn and grow," Cagle said. "When we bring those individuals into our teams, we're getting the benefit of that training. It's a win-win for everyone."

Voss emphasized the value of providing military employees with growth opportunities at the Lab, highlighting that their technical leadership training often makes them invaluable team members.

"Our military employees are among the best leaders and workers we have," he said. "It's an honor to support them."

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