Professional News

Hall Receives Service Member Patriot Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2013) – Edward D. Hall of the University of Kentucky Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC) has received the Service Member Patriot Award sponsored by the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve for support provided directly to the nominator.

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support 'Citizen Warriors' through a wide range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Hall is the William R. Markesbery, M.D., Chair in Neurotrauma Research at SCoBIRC, and  professor of anatomy and neurobiology, neurosurgery, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation in the UK College of Medicine.

Hall was nominated by John Cebak, a third year graduate student who works in Hall's laboratory.

"Dr. Ed Hall was nominated for this award because he is an absolute patriot.  Dr. Hall has demonstrated unequivocal support not only as an employer but, as a mentor and a friend.  He has been able tailor my civilian duties in such a way that I am not forced to compromise federal or state military duties with the National Guard.  Dr. Hall may not wear a uniform, so instead he supports the ones who do," said Cebak.

Cebak has been a member of the Kentucky National Guard for 10 years during which he served as a decorated (two Army Commendation Medals) frontline medic in the Iraq War from 2005 to 2006 and then completed a two bachelor's degrees in biology and agricultural biotechnology from the University of Kentucky. He is currently a 2nd lieutenant and Medical Platoon Leader and working on his Ph.D. research on the discovery of treatments for traumatic brain injury in Hall's laboratory.

"While John's military service is a major part of his life, his amazing work ethic, intelligence, and organizational skills enable him to work full time on his Ph.D. research while admirably serving his country. I am quite proud to fully support him as he does both very well," said Hall.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison.Elliott@uky.edu