Shady Oak is beyond grateful to have such a hardworking, dedicated, tenured and collaborative team that we not only want to thank and recognize them, but we’d also like to recognize their family members’ excellence in service! Thank you for being such fine examples for us and our community!
Thank you, Jack, for your service!
First up to the plate is Mike Flahaven’s son, Jack, who joined the US Navy right after high school graduation and has swiftly made a name for himself within his division.
He has been training in field medicine and has been holding first-aid clinics for fellow Navel personnel in his division.
Most recently, Jack has been awarded Blue Jacket of the Quarter (BJOQ) in the 2D Marine Division. The BJOQ is awarded to:
…the very best all-around Sailors [with] sustained superior performance, leadership, self-improvement, command and community involvement, self-expression, military bearing, and appearance are all key facets of the best all-around Sailors.
Paul’s wife, Kellie (Murphy) Pernula, joined the US Army Reserves in June 2011 (3rd generation military!) and served for 9 years as a Military Police Officer; for the final 3 years, her rank was Sergeant (E-5). She was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, then a few years later to Romania.
Thank you, Kellie, for your service!
As a civilian, Kellie battles gingivitis and tooth decay as a licensed dental hygienist, while simultaneously trying to keep her cool under the pressures of raising two little ones under 3-years-old — son Peter and daughter Murphy — while Paul mans the front lines of residential appliance distribution.
Thank you, Jimmy, for your service!
Finally, Melinda Rodger’s husband, Jimmy, is our hometown hero, having served as a 2nd generation firefighter for over 20 years with the Minneapolis Fire Department.
He and his father even worked side-by-side for several years with the MFD before his dad’s retirement.
Over the years, he has earned numerous awards and accolades for his dedication and hard work and eventually made it to FMO (Fire Motor Operator) — he was the driver of that big red truck!
We thank you for “doing your job” Jimmy, but we know it was more than that. You risked your life daily and sacrificed your body to keep others out of harm’s way. Thank you!
