Northwestern Grayslake nursing manager receives Patriot Award

Northwestern Grayslake Nursing Manager Wendy Callan recently received an award for her support of a military employee.

Callan was presented with the Patriot Award by the U.S. Navy in recognition for her support and encouragement of Lt. Cmdr. Tabitha Eden, a reservist and registered nurse at the Northwestern Grayslake Emergency Center, who will be deployed soon to the Horn of Africa.

Eden nominated Callan for the Patriot Award, which recognizes supervisors and bosses nominated by a guardsman or reservist employee for support provided directly to the nominator. Northwestern Grayslake colleagues joined the two women for the ceremony in the Northwestern Grayslake Emergency Center.

"Wendy has been completely supportive of my challenging schedule over the last year as I prepared for my deployment," Eden said. "She always accommodated my training requirements and the last-minute schedule changes that sometimes happen."

Eden also praised Callan for allowing her to have fewer worries as she prepares to leave for the Horn of Africa.

It'll be Eden's first deployment since leaving active duty for the naval reserves in 2007. In addition, she'll be leaving her boys, ages 3 and 4, for the first time.

Eden's husband also is a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps, completing two tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2004 before they were married.

Eden was sent to Kuwait in 2004 for six months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Callan said the least she can do is support Eden as she serves the United States.

"It is very emotional for all of us that Tabitha will be away from her husband and her boys, so we want to support her in any way possible," Callan said.

Eden has worked at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital since she left active duty. She's been employed at both the Northwestern Lake Forest Emergency Department and Northwestern Grayslake Emergency Center.