LOVELAND – Retired Navy Cmdr. Brian Hand presented the Patriot Award to Duane Rorie, the chief flight nurse for Air Link at Medical Center of the Rockies, recently on the Loveland hospital’s helipad.
Duane Rorie, the chief flight nurse at Air Link at Medical Center of the Rockies, was honored Monday, May 4, 2015, with the Patriot Award. From left to right in the photo is flight nurse David Steiner, Duane Rorie, flight paramedic Kris Schott and retired Navy Cmdr. Brian Hand of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserves.
The Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve awards the Patriot Award to recognize employers and managers who support employees who are members of the Guard and Reserves.
Rorie was recognized for his continuous support of the service of his crew members on behalf of Petty Officer First Class Kris Schott, currently assigned to Quebec Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines, and Capt. Dave Steiner, recently separated from 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the Wyoming Air National Guard.
Rorie has worked tirelessly to ensure they have had the necessary time off and shifts covered for both monthly service commitments, annual training requirements and an extended overseas deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Because Air Link’s flight team is small, it can be a hardship when one member is deployed or training, Schott said. Rorie, a resident of Loveland, covers shifts left vacant by when a member of his team is fulfilling their military service commitments so Air Link can provide uninterrupted emergency air medical transport to the residents of northern Colorado.
“It’s nice to know that Duane has our backs and will personally work for us if necessary, giving up time with his own family, so we can do our military jobs without having to worry if the helicopter will be adequately staffed during our absence, Schott said. “He is the backbone of our flight team, and I’m proud to have someone who values his servicemen and women and will bend over backwards to support them.”
Watch this video to learn more about Air Link at Medical Center of the Rockies:
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