Guardsman honors local Cape Girardeau business

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Keith Hon and Breanna New, of SEMO Imprints in Cape Girardeau, were recently presented with a Patriot Award in recognition of their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.

The Patriot Award was created by the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation's call to duty.

Hon and New were nominated by Staff Sgt. Brian Hon, of Malden, who is currently serving with 1137th Military Policy Company in Qatar.

Brian nominated SEMO Imprints for their support of not only his military service, but for supporting his fellow Guardsmen in the 1137th. Hon and New provided over 100 t-shirts at cost with National Guard insignia for the Soldiers and Families to wear throughout the year-long deployment.

"When a few Soldiers couldn't afford a shirt they even chipped in some for free for us," said Brian.

The nomination was a surprise, but they were very grateful, said Hon and New.

"What we do is so small compared to what they do every day here and overseas," said New. "This is so exciting and such an honor for us."

For Hon, being a part of the strong support he sees among the Families and Soldiers is important.

"It means a lot to see the Family support," said Hon. "It's truly an honor."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG;

www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng;

www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.blog.moguard.com