CovingtonCares Magazine - Fall/Winter 2023

Staff Sergeant Cynthia Keys-Thompson knew just the person to nominate for an award as a supportive boss. As a result, the U.S. Department of Defense has saluted both Covington County Hospital and Laboratory Director Tanya Magee for their patriotism. Keys-Thompson, a phlebotomist at Covington County Hospital, is a 15- year member of the Army National Guard. Magee, her supervisor, unhesitatingly approves any time off the sergeant needs for Guard duty – even months-long deployments during the COVID-19 pandemic. “She’s probably the biggest fan of the military we have here at Covington County Hospital,” Keys-Thompson said. Patriot Award The hospital received an Above and Beyond Award for its support of employees in the Guard and Reserve. Magee was recognized with the Patriot Award. The awards came from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office at the Department of Defense. The office promotes cooperation and understanding between U.S. military reserve component members and employers. During the award ceremony, hospital CEO Gregg Gibbes signed a Statement of Support for Guard and Reserve employees. ‘It’s an Honor’ Magee said she accommodates Keys-Thompson’s duty schedule for a simple reason: “I think it’s an honor for any company to have employees that are willing to serve our country in the military.” Keys-Thompson and her Guard compatriots performed COVID tests around Mississippi during the height of the pandemic. They distributed drinking water in Jackson when the city’s water system broke down. In all kinds of emergencies, they help. “They do a lot for our communities,” Magee said, “and I think we should be there and support them.” CovingtonCares 11 “I think it’s an honor for any company to have employees that are willing to serve our country in the military.” – Tanya Magee, Laboratory Director