Iowa State University Athletics
Baker Receives Patriot Award From The National Guard
10.03.2019 | Cheerleading OLD
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State cheerleading coach Kelli Baker recently received the Patriot Award from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
An employee that is serving in the Iowa National Guard or Reserve may nominate their supervisor for the Patriot Award. The award reflects efforts to support citizens serving in the National Guard or Reserves through a wide range of measures.
Baker was nominated by Sergeant Alex Grafft, an assistant cheerleading coach at Iowa State, who is also a member of the Iowa National Guard.
"I think this award signifies the understanding of the commitments for people in the National Guard," Baker said. "I feel like I was just doing my job as a manager to understand that Alex has National Guard commitments. It's always been important to work with him to ensure that he never felt left out of what we were working on while he was fulfilling those commitments."
The award exemplifies Baker's philosophy as a leader. She believes that being a good leader means treating everyone with respect.
"Communication is very important to me as a leader," Baker added. "I use communication to make sure all of my employees and cheerleaders are respected."
"Alex has been an integral part of our coaching staff for ISU Cheer," said Baker. "He is one of the hardest working people I know. Between balancing National Guard duties, working at the prison, coaching and working to obtain a job as a police officer, he has really demonstrated his persistence in reaching his goals."
Grafft appreciates the support he receives from Baker.
"I missed some practices and the tryout because I was on duty," Grafft said. "Kelli was always able to cover shifts with a smile when military assignments popped up. She has been very supportive of my choice to be a member of the Iowa National Guard. She knows my passion for cheer and goes out of her way to help me."
"Supportive employers like Iowa State are vital to the success of our mission and the defense of this nation," Mark Hennessey, who is the Iowa ESGR Chair, said. "Our Guard and Reserve members could not perform their military duty without knowing their civilian employers support them."
Baker is just another example of the "team effort" mentality at Iowa State.
