Methodist Fremont Health staff members honored with Patriot Award for support of deployed Emergency Department physician
Published: Sept. 18, 2026
Three Methodist Fremont Health staff members were recently honored with Patriot Awards for their support of Emergency Department physician James Tiehen, MD, a major in the Nebraska Army National Guard.
Bill Vobejda, president and CEO; Michele Williams, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department; and Pat Callaway, MHA, BSN, CEN, NE-BC, director of Emergency and Outpatient Services, each received Patriot Award recognition by Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
"Operating as an emergency physician in a community hospital with limited staffing presents severe scheduling challenges, yet my supervisor has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our department remains fully operational without ever making me feel like my service is a burden," Dr. Tiehen wrote in his nomination.
Dr. Tiehen, who serves as a physician with the Guard, spent this summer in eastern Africa as a task force surgeon.
This is the second time Dr. Tiehen chose to recognize his supervisors. He also honored them in 2023 following a previous deployment.
“It’s important that he’s able to serve, and we have a responsibility to make that happen for him," Callaway said. "Since he’s an emergency physician, the transition can be a little rough, but Dr. Williams has done a great job of being able to fill the gaps with other physicians. It’s so cool that he wants to honor us. It just shows his character. He’s a really great physician, and we love working with him.”
ESGR volunteer Steve Hokamp helped with the presentation of the awards.
ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, visit www.ESGR.mil.
