Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Presents Patriot Awards to Four Mary Washington Hospital Associates

Fredericksburg, VA (January 30, 2025) – Today, Mary Washington Hospital proudly announces the recognition of Nancy Young, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Manager; Wendy Brown, NICU Assistant Nurse Manager; Joshua Attridge, MD; and Arslan Arshad, MD, who were presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by the National Guard.

“We are honored to present the Patriot Award to these four outstanding individuals who provided support and the needed flexibility allowing Col. Jennifer Brothers to fulfill her military obligations which took her away from her civilian position at Mary Washington Hospital,” says Robert Barnette, Chair, Virginia Chapter, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “The Patriot Award recognizes patriotic employers who show commitment to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve forces.”

“We take immense pride in supporting our Associates who serve in the military,” said Debra Marinari, Associate Vice President of Nursing Operations, Mary Washington Healthcare. “This recognition underscores our commitment to ensuring continuity of care for our youngest patients while honoring the critical service of those who balance both civilian and military responsibilities. We are deeply grateful to Nancy, Wendy, and Drs. Attridge and Arshad for their extraordinary leadership and teamwork during Jennifer’s deployment, ensuring the NICU remained fully staffed and operational.”

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

ESGR has served our country for more than 50 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. These citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. ESGR has continued to adapt to meet the needs of Reserve Component members, their families, and America’s employers by joining forces with a network of other national, state, and local government and professional trade organizations. Together, we all serve!

From left to right: Ann Weed, Women’s and Children’s Care Center Director; Nancy Young, NICU Nurse Manager; Col. Jennifer Brothers, NICU nurse; Lori Flinn, ESGR Representative; and Arslan Arshad, MD. Not pictured are Wendy Brown, NICU Assistant Nurse Manager and Joshua Attridge, MD.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.

About ESGR

ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. To learn more about ESGR, part of the Defense Support Services Center, visit www.ESGR.mil.