Port of Vancouver USA Security Manager Richard Troudt (right) and Security Supervisor Wally Coon (not pictured) received a U.S. Department of Defense Patriot Award Nov. 27. They were nominated by Sgt. Scott Fox (left), a U.S. Army Guardsman and port security officer.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Port of Vancouver USA staff members Richard Troudt and Wally Coon were presented with a Patriot Award on Nov. 27 in recognition of their extraordinary support of an employee who serves in the U.S. Army National Guard.

The award was presented by Ana Drilea, outreach representative for the Washington State Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), during the port’s regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting today.

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Drilea. “Supportive managers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”

Troudt, port security manager, and Coon, security supervisor, were nominated by Sgt. Scott Fox for their support of his service with B Company, 2-162nd Infantry Regiment at Ft. Hunter Liggett. Fox, who is a security officer in his civilian position, suffered an injury during military training and was unable to immediately return to his duties at the port.

“I called Wally and he said not to worry, he would take care of things on his end,” said Fox. “That has been the tone of my relationship with the security department and Human Resources. They have really taken care of me in my recovery process.

“I recommended Richard for this award for his unwavering commitment to do right by me during this time. It’s such a privilege to be a part of this organization and I feel they are very deserving of this award.”

About ESGR
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

– POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.