Greenport, NY - May 20, 2026 - Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) proudly announced that Carrie Grattan, BSN, RN, Vice President of Nursing Operations, has been honored with the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program of the U.S. Department of Defense.
This marks the first time SBELIH has received this recognition, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
The award was presented by Joseph Kruk, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), ESGR Volunteer, New York, who recognized Grattan’s leadership and dedication to supporting service members in the workplace.
Grattan was nominated by David Agbara, BSN, RN, Nursing Director of ICU/2N, who is currently serving in the United States Air Force Reserve and was unable to attend the ceremony due to military activation. In his nomination, Agbara recognized Grattan for her unwavering support, flexibility, and leadership in helping him balance the demands of military service and his healthcare profession.
“Anyone who serves understands the unique challenges that come with balancing military obligations and civilian employment,” Agbara shared in his remarks. “Carrie has consistently provided that support without hesitation. She leads with professionalism, compassion, and integrity, and creates an environment where people feel valued and supported.”
The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who go above and beyond in supporting employees serving in the Guard and Reserve, including providing flexible schedules, time off for training and deployment, and fostering a supportive workplace environment.
At SBELIH, this type of leadership is critical in maintaining a strong workforce while supporting national service.
“Carrie’s leadership reflects the values we strive to uphold as an organization,” said Paul J. Connor, Chief Administrative Officer of SBELIH. “We are immensely proud to earn this recognition for the first time. Supporting those who serve in the Guard and Reserve allows us to continue caring for our community while also supporting our country. With leaders like Carrie, we can do both.”
In accepting the award, Grattan expressed her gratitude and deep respect for military service members.
“It is a privilege to support those who serve our country,” Grattan said. “The flexibility and understanding we provide in the workplace are small compared to the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. I am deeply humbled and truly honored to receive this Patriot Award and to be recognized in this way.”
Grattan continued, “This nomination by Maj. Agbara, is incredibly meaningful. His service in the United States Air Force Reserve reflects a level of dedication, courage, and selflessness, that I deeply admire. It is an honor to support them in any way.”
Grattan’s recognition underscores SBELIH’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values service, teamwork, and community—both within the hospital and beyond.
Photo Caption: Paul J. Connor III, Chief Administrative Officer SBELIH; Carrie Grattan, BSN, RN, Vice President of Nursing Operations; Joseph Kruk, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), ESGR Volunteer, New York; and Russell Guerrier, RN, Captain US Army.
Photo Credit: Nicole B. Brewer, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital
About Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital:
As part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) combines the best in academic and community medicine, improving access to advanced medical care for residents of the North Fork and Shelter Island. With 70 beds, SBELIH is Suffolk County’s first hospital, serving all of Suffolk County since 1905. SBELIH provides care to 25,000 year-round residents, and expands to 60,000 residents in the summer, with comprehensive healthcare solutions, including behavioral health, medical-surgical, orthopedics and general surgery, wound care, interventional pain management, gastroenterology, advanced ambulatory care, diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, and physical therapy services. The hospital is also a clinical campus and training site for Stony Brook Medicine, with its first SBELIH Psychiatry resident having graduated in 2022. To learn more, visit elih.stonybrookmedicine.edu.