Donna Ahearn worked at Crescent Point in East Lyme during her husband's deployment and she said she felt nothing but support from her employer.

That support helped Ahearn continue to work at the senior-living facility while studying to be a nurse and taking care of her two children. She completed her nursing program in October and is now a nurse.

At a ceremony last Wednesday at Crescent Point, Ahearn gave Faith Weber, the facility's director of nursing, an award to show her how much that meant to her.

"We need more bosses like you," Ahearn told Weber, as she gave her the award and then embraced her in gratitude. Ahearn's husband, Thomas Ahearn, a master sergeant in the National Guard, also thanked and hugged Weber, as Crescent Point staff and residents looked on and smiled.

The Spouse Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, recognizes employer support for the spouses of service men and women.

Companies, such as Crescent Point, can ease the worries of service men and women, since their spouses are given the time they need to take children to the doctor or visit the principal's office, for example, said awards coordinator Al Ouellette. It's extremely important to have that flexibility, he explained.

Thomas Ahearn said he really appreciated the support from Weber, which allowed his wife to stay in school and do everything she needed to do.

Weber truly looks out for her employees and puts others before herself, said Donna Ahearn.

"She was very accommodating to my schedule, as needed," said Ahearn. For example, the weekend her husband returned home to Waterford, Ahearn was scheduled to work two 12-hour shifts. Weber helped arrange it so Ahearn could welcome her husband home.

Weber said she wants her employees to feel supported and also knows what it's like to have a spouse in the military, since her husband served in the Navy.

"It's important to be part of a complete team and to have the nurses know they're supported," she said.

K.DRELICH@THEDAY.COM