Ms. Annie Panama, Program Director of Counseling Services for the Division of Student Services at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) received the ESGR Patriot Award during a ceremony held at that the Army Reserve Center in early February. The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by a Guardsman or Reservist employee for support provided directly to the nominator. The ESGR, which stands for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, is a Department of Defense office, established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

Ms. Panama was nominated for the Patriot Award by Mrs. Lydian Tnitali, the VA Services Counselor at ASCC who is herself a member of the Army Reserves. Mrs. Tinitali serves as the College’s certifying official liaison between the VA Services program and the VA students and their eligible dependents who apply for various resources to finance their education at ASCC. With the VA Services office integrated within the College’s Counseling Services division, Ms. Panama serves as Mrs. Tinitali’s supervisor, and the Patriot Award recognizes Ms. Panama’s support of the VA Services program since she and Mrs. Tinitali began working together in 2015.

“It was a privilege and an honor to receive recognition and an award through my work with Mrs. Tinitali to assist and support students attending ASCC, plus it was unexpected and quite a surprise,” reflected Ms. Panama. “Mrs. Tinitali nominated me in my supporting role for the work she is doing for VA and ASCC students, as well accommodating her long participation in the Army Reserve.”

For more information on support programs available to veterans at the College, or the many services provided by the Counseling division, see the official ASCC Catalog accessible online at www.amsamoa.edu.