KANEOHE, Hawaii –
Dr. Garret Miyagawa of Dr. Garret Miyagawa, DDS, Inc., Dental Care was
presented with a Patriot Award Aug. 12 by Evelyn Barfield, volunteer for the
Hawaii Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of
awesome support to the spouse of a soldier in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
Dr. Miyagawa was nominated for being highly supportive of
the Reserves by Sloane Buck, spouse of 1st Lt. Stephen Buck, Hawaii Army
National Guard.
Mrs. Buck wrote, “Dr. Miyagawa has always taken extra steps
to ensure that I am accommodated when my spouse is away on orders. Most recently, he has allowed me to take off
the month of June because my husband will be away for a three week long annual
training exercise, and I will be left alone to take care of the kids, despite
his practice being shorthanded right now.
Dr. Miyagawa has served in the military and understands the sacrifice
that my husband and I must make from time to time. Furthermore, Dr. Miyagawa often gives discounts
or doesn't even charge for some services when caring for military service
members. I have worked for Dr. Miyagawa
for more than 5 years now, and during that time he has always looked out and
taken care of me. He allows me to take
off whenever my husband is away on orders and I need to take care of the kids,
despite the busy work schedule. He often
goes out of his way to make sure that uniformed service members receive the
best care when they come in to see him, and often front loads their appointments
because he knows they have busy schedules.
Likewise, he often gives my husband's appointments priority because he
understands the busy and demanding schedule he has in regards to his military
duty. I appreciate all that he has done
for my family”.
“The support our service members receive from their
supervisors is paramount to the success and readiness of the National Guard and
Reserve and carries over to the support provide to the spouses of our service members”
stated Evelyn Barfield.
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. For
more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call
(800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Photo L – R: LT Steven Buck, Sloane Buck, Dr. Garret
Miyagawa and Evelyn Barfield.