Freedom Award: Mid America Kidney

Mid America Kidney Stone Association

With just 10 employees, the Mid America Kidney Stone Association of Kansas City, Missouri is a recipient of the 2009 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award in the category of Small Business. Despite the strain felt by the absence of an employee, Mid America Kidney Stone Association has always supported their nominator’s service and encouraged him to further his military career. During times of military service, including two deployments and two natural disaster relief missions, Mid America Kidney Stone Association has provided differential pay between military pay and regular salary and continued medical and life insurance benefits. Additionally, the association maintained communication with the nominator and his family, routinely sending care packages and exchanging regular e-mails and phone calls. “It is difficult for an individual to maintain a civilian and military career at the same time. It is just as difficult for an employer to have a staff member who has two employers,” says the nominator. “I know I could not have been as dedicated to the Army Reserve without the outstanding support of my employer.” The Mid America Kidney Stone Association previously received the ESGR Pro Patria Award for outstanding support of their Guard and Reserve members.