By MOAA Staff

A member of MOAA's marketing team proudly accepted a Patriot Award on March 21, an honor presented to supervisors for their support of employees and their spouses who serve in the National Guard or Reserve.

“I was totally shocked,” said Elizabeth Limarzi, who serves as MOAA's director of marketing strategy. “It means a lot. I think we have to lead by example. If we say we serve currently serving, we have to support the National Guard and Reserve.”

CW2 Greg Acs, a marketing manager for MOAA, nominated Limarzi for the honor, citing her flexibility and understanding. Limarzi coordinated with Acs to adjust work hours so he could balance responsibilities with MOAA and duties with the Army National Guard.

Acs also lauded the entire marketing team for its willingness to pitch in by picking up emails and moving projects along in his absence. 

Because of MOAA's accommodations, Acs, who serves as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the National Guard, is able to fly up to four days a week in order to maintain flight certification. And during his downtime at the hangar in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., it's common to see Acs in military uniform pull out his laptop to work on MOAA projects.

“If I was on a normal schedule, I wouldn't be able to be a pilot,” Acs said. “I always feel comfortable talking about my commitments (with Elizabeth). I don't feel like a burden. The support is impressive.”

The award, one of a series of honors given out by DoD's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program, represents MOAA's commitment to those who serve, MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret), said.

“We ask all employers of Guard and Reserve members, and their families, to offer the flexibility and understanding necessary for these servicemembers to excel on all fronts - at work, in uniform, and as a community and family member,” Atkins said. “This award is just one example of MOAA's efforts to lead by example.”

Does your supervisor value your service? Show your appreciation by nominating them for a Patriot Award via the ESGR website. You'll be asked to provide details about your service and your supervisor, including whether they continue pay and/or benefits during active duty service; reach out to family members during extended service time; and show other types of support for service, including when that service comes on short notice.

“All supervisors should strive for this and other ESGR awards,” Atkins said. “Beyond showing support for individual employees and their families, it shows an understanding of the security needs of the nation, and a respect for all those who serve.”