Local Leader Recognized with Patriot Award

A smiling man in uniform, and another man from the USGR surround the recipient while she smiles and displays her award certificate. — From left to right: Staff Sgt. James Walker, Evelyn Warr-Omness and Bob Skinner, ESGR, at the award ceremony during a County Commissioners’ meeting.

(Marion) A community leader has been recognized for her support of employees in the Ohio Army National Guard. Evelyn Warr-Omness, executive director of the Marion County Regional Planning Commission, received the Patriot Award.

Nominated by Ohio Army National Guard Member

Staff Sergeant James Walker, an employee of the planning commission, nominated Warr-Omness for this honor for providing a number of supportive measures, including flexible schedules, time off before and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence.

“This is a sacrifice on your part that is not taken lightly. Your demonstration of support allows James to hone their skills while training, deployed or answering the nation’s call,” stated John McCance, State Chairman of the Ohio Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The Central-Ohio Chair of the ESGR came up from Columbus to present the award in person.

Text of award.

Walker, a planner’s aide at the Regional Planning Commission, nominated his supervisor for many reasons.

“Working two jobs at the same time presents challenges, but today I got the privilege to marry my civilian job and my Army National Guard job by surprising my boss with the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) PatriotAward for going above and beyond in supporting military employees and their families. Having great leaders makes hard work easy. It was heartwarming to see everyone who came out to support Evelyn,” Walker said. “When someone does so much work behind the scenes, it’s amazing to be able to find an opportunity to recognize them publicly.”

Warr-Omness Shows Dedication to Commission and Employees

Evelyn Warr-Omness

Warr-Omness has served at the Marion Regional Planning Commission for more than 30 years. The agency is a group of county, city, and village elected officials and citizens that promote land development for future homes, businesses and industry. The goal is to coordinate and plan with the private and public sector to benefit the public.

“Thank you, James, for nominating me for the Patriotic Employer Award! I was so surprised to receive it! I was touched to see the show of support from all of my colleagues and my loving husband, Paul.” Warr-Omness said.

Community Celebrates Award-Winner

Warr-Omness was presented with this award at the Marion County Commissioners meeting earlier this month. The award was a surprise to Warr-Omness, but many local leaders and community groups came out to watch her receive the award and congratulate her, including the mayor and the director of public service.

In addition, representatives of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion CAN DO!, the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Marion Inc., Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity, Sims Recycling as well as family and friends. Many people were thrilled to see her recognized.

“I have the highest regard for the work of my colleague, Evelyn Warr-Omness. The load is enormous, and the results have an incredible impact on our community and individuals. But very few people are aware of who she is and what she does as the director of Marion Regional Planning. Beyond that, her personal sacrifices to shepherd and mentor individuals are just some of the ways that she quietly makes people’s lives just a little bit better,” said Tarina Rose.

The Clerk of Council Pro Tempore continued her praise.

“I was so glad to see that James Walker recognized her efforts and nominated her for the ESGR Patriot Award she received… The award is for individual supervisors for support provided directly to a service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures. Congratulations, Evie. You are the best!” Rose continued.

Support for Reserve and Guard Critical to Nation’s Defense

The ESGR stated that 48% of the U.S. Department of Defense’s overall capability is made of National Guard and Reserve members. There are more than 26,000 reserve members serving in Ohio.

SSG Walker also scheduled a treat Warr-Omness in October. She will ride on a KC-130 for a refueling exercise.

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