Stanley S. Jones, state chair of the Virgin Islands Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), presented the Patriot Award to employer Dr. Dale Manuel of Smiles St. Croix Dental Studio at its annual St. Croix dinner held at The Buccaneer. This is Manuel’s second Patriot Award in 2019.
Manuel was nominated by Aisha Huggins, a staff sergeant in the 285th Civil Engineering Squadron, Virgin Islands Air National Guard.
“I nominated Dr. Dale Manuel in recognition of his continuous support of my National Guard service,” said Huggins. “Anytime the military calls me to duty, whether it be with advance or short notice, I receive full support from him and the staff. He also recognizes the great work the military does in the community.”
Manuel thanked Huggins for the nomination. “I am truly honored,” said Manuel. “We are just fortunate to have wonderful employees like her. I am so privileged to have employees like this. They are our better employees and continue to be our best employees.”
Manuel acknowledged the support National Guard gives to the community. “We could not, as a community, do what we do without supporting the National Guard,” said Manuel. “We appreciate everything you do for us. It is a blessing that National Guard produces great folks, through the service of the National Guard. They bring that same discipline from the military into the offices, and I really appreciate that.”
