SLU Hospital's CEO honored with Patriot Award

Crystal L. Haynes, Chief Executive Officer at Saint Louis University Hospital, will be honored as a recipient of a Patriot Award from the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a staff organization within the U.S. Department of Defense. The national patriot award recognizes employers who go beyond legal requirements to support their military reserve employees.

Major James Stenger, R.N., nominated Haynes for the award because of her strong and unwavering support of him and his family during his recent deployments to Iraq. Stenger currently serves as Major in the US Air Force Reserve, 932 Medical Squadron at the Scott Air Force Base in St. Louis, Missouri.

"It is comforting to know that my employer embraces and supports my military service. Haynes not only supports my role but she also provides a home for the Air Force with the C-Stars program. When I'm oversees and engaged in active duty, I know that my job is protected and I can focus on my duties," says Major Stenger.

Saint Louis University Hospital is one of only three C-STARS locations in the United States. C-Stars is the Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills, a program that rotates active-duty Air Force health care providers through Saint Louis University Hospital's Trauma department.

"It is an honor to have an employee to be of service to our country, especially during a time of war. We try to help James in any way we can. Our entire staff at Saint Louis University Hospital places a high value on those who make a commitment to the reserves and we are proud to have him on our team," says Haynes.

"The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes Saint Louis University Hospital as an outstanding organization that has and is continuing to support a strong National Guard and Reserve force," says Stan Brasch, Awards Director, Missouri Committee, ESGR.

Haynes will accept the award at 11 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2010. During the ceremony, she will sign an official "Statement of Support" on behalf of Saint Louis University Hospital for the U.S. Department of Defense, which demonstrates that the hospital understands and places high value on the importance of military service.