Boss Steps Up for National Guard Member, Earns Award

When Kali Blaeser shipped out to Utah for military training, she didn't spend a single moment worrying about her job back home in Minnesota. Her boss made sure of that.

Blaeser, administrator at Good Samaritan Society Specialty Care Community in Robbinsdale, serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard as an automated logistics specialist. Last year, she needed a month away for a Basic Leader Course.

Matt Trammel, her supervisor and senior director of long-term care, stepped into her role immediately. His response was simple: "Where do you need me and when do you need me there?"

For roughly a month, Trammel handled every detail of running the facility. He managed the daily operations so smoothly that Blaeser discovered some issues only after returning because he'd already solved them.

"Everything was taken care of when I came back," Blaeser said. "It wasn't just nice for me. It was nice for the team here to have."

Trammel brushed off the extra work, crediting Blaeser's strong team. But his actions meant everything to someone balancing two demanding forms of service.

Why This Inspires

Blaeser responded by nominating Trammel for the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The national recognition honors supervisors who go above and beyond supporting National Guard and Reserve members through deployment.

Trammel was genuinely surprised when he received the award. He thought it might be recognition for the organization, not for him personally.

"I would do this every year that she needs to go away without hesitation," he said.

For Trammel, supporting Blaeser connects directly to the mission at Good Samaritan, where many residents are veterans. "It's just my way I can give back and serve them the way they sacrificed for our freedom and for us."

Service runs deep in Blaeser's family. Her father served 26 years in the Marine Corps, her grandfather was in the Army, and her brother also serves in the National Guard. She shipped out to basic training just two days after her high school graduation nine years ago.

Now working with veteran residents daily, especially on the third floor where many former service members live, Blaeser feels a profound connection. She remembers seeing a watercolor painting showing service members reflected as older veterans.

"It reminded me of the residents here," she said. "I feel like I get to continue the legacy of my family, but I also get to continue the legacy that some of my residents have got to build."

When leaders support those who serve, everyone wins.