September 18, 2024
Glen Knobel, a Vice President of Environmental Sciences (EVS) at HHS, was recently honored with the Department of Defense’s ESGR Patriot Award, recognizing his exceptional support for team members who serve in the military. The award, presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), celebrates employers who go above and beyond to support their National Guard and Reserve team members. For Glen, the award was a living testament to the culture of pride and support that HHS endeavors to provide for its team members with military commitments.
A Surprise Recognition
His colleague, Jason Rivera, secretly nominated him without Glen’s knowledge, luring him to the awards ceremony with a false customer question. "I had shown up for what I thought were regular rounds, and Jason told me our customer wanted to talk about the terrazzo floor in the lobby," Glen recounted. "As I was wondering why they’d want to rip up the brand-new terrazzo, I noticed a group gathering, including someone who looked like a politician. That’s when it dawned on me—I’d been snookered and was getting this award. I joked to Jason, ‘You could’ve given me a heads up so I could’ve worn a tie!’"
Glen felt deeply moved by the recognition. "The sentiment of it meant a lot to me," he said. "Supporting Jason’s work in the National Guard and other team members with military commitments is something I’ve always been proud of. It’s made Jason a stronger leader, and it’s made me appreciate the sacrifice that our military team members make."
Glen and Jason Rivera the day he was presented the award.
The Importance of Preparation and Communication
When asked about the challenges and responsibilities of supporting team members in the military, Glen emphasized the importance of preparation. This preparation isn’t just about handling short-term absences—it’s about building a strong team that can function independently and support each other.
"One of the biggest things is making sure there’s a strong infrastructure in place before a team member leaves for military duty," he explained. "That means having the right leadership, whether it’s an assistant director or a strong lead, who can keep everything running smoothly in their absence. You can’t wait until the last minute to figure this out—it takes time to build that trust and confidence."
The proof is in the pudding—Glen shared a proud moment from several years ago when Jason was deployed for a hurricane relief mission with the National Guard. "Jason’s team really stepped up during his deployment. I couldn’t be there on-site, but his team functioned as if he were still there, which gave me great confidence. It’s a testament to the preparation we’d put in, and it reassured me that we had things on lockdown."
A Culture of Support
For Glen, support for service members is about more than just keeping things running smoothly during deployments. He recognizes the sacrifices that military team members make and strives to ease the burden for them. "Whether they’re full-time active duty or in the National Guard, there’s a lot of sacrifice involved. Being away from their families, their homes, and their work is tough, and we want to do everything we can to make sure they don’t have to worry about what’s happening at their job while they’re gone."
Glen emphasizes that this recognition shines a spotlight on the company’s ongoing efforts. “We’ve always talked about our support for the military and hiring veterans, but this award really proves that we put our money where our mouth is. If you’re in the National Guard or a veteran, we want to be the employer of choice for you.” Receiving the Patriot Award highlights HHS’s strong commitment to supporting team members with military responsibilities.
Elevating Opportunities for Veterans
HHS has long valued the unique skills and perspectives that veterans and active-duty service members bring to the workplace. From leadership and problem-solving to discipline and organization, military team members contribute in countless ways. Glen believes creating opportunities for veterans to apply these skills is important to their success at HHS. "There’s a strong camaraderie among military people, and if we show them what a great career path we offer, they’re going to tell their friends. It’s about building those relationships and actively recruiting from within the military community."
A Bright Future for Veterans at HHS
So what’s next? Glen plans to use his experience and the recognition from the Patriot Award to further strengthen HHS' culture of support for veterans and service members. "I’m very proud of this award, and I’ll definitely mention it when I talk to prospective candidates who are military veterans. It’s another way to show that HHS is serious about being veteran-friendly and supporting our team members who serve."
Glen’s leadership and commitment to service members reflect the core values of HHS, where supporting veterans and military team members isn’t just a goal—it’s a priority. With leaders like Glen at the helm, HHS continues to be a place where veterans can thrive, knowing they’re supported every step of the way.