At GoJet Airlines, supporting service members isn’t just a policy: it’s a priority. That commitment was recently recognized when Calvin White, a leader within our organization, received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office.
The award was presented by COL (RET) Ed Gruetzemacher, Chair of ESGR Area 1 in St. Louis, Missouri, and was made even more meaningful by the person who nominated Calvin: GoJet First Officer and First Lieutenant Hayden Blankenship, a valued GoJet employee and member of the United States Armed Forces.
The Patriot Award reflects the essential role employers play in supporting citizen warriors through flexible schedules, understanding leave policies, and continued encouragement before, during, and after deployments. Calvin’s actions stood out, earning formal recognition for his exceptional advocacy and support of Hayden’s dual career.

“Support like this makes all the difference,” said Lt. Blankenship. “Knowing that your employer not only understands your commitment to serve, but actively supports you, is something I don’t take for granted.”
GoJet is proud to stand behind our team members who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. This honor reinforces our mission to be more than an airline—to be a place where people feel seen, valued, and supported in all aspects of life.
We thank ESGR for the recognition, and extend our heartfelt congratulations to Calvin White on this well-deserved honor.