Haskell Indian Nations University was recognized Thursday by the Kansas Army National Guard for its support of an employee who is in the Guard.

The award was accepted on behalf of the university by Virgil Allen, facilities manager at Haskell.

“This man is a patriot,” Lt. Col. Jane Harris said during presentation ceremonies at Stidham Union. Harris is commander in charge of the 169th Corps Support Battalion in Olathe.

Haskell and Allen were nominated for the national award by Wayne Thompson, a Haskell employee, a Gulf War veteran and a specialist in the Kansas Army National Guard.

“Virgil has been very supportive. He understands,” Thompson said. “Whenever I have to go somewhere or go do something, he says, ‘Go do your duty. Come back when you get back.’ And when I’m gone, he checks on my family and makes sure they’re OK.”

In May, Allen organized an impromptu ceremony for Thompson and his then-fiancee Deb Lucero, after learning that Thompson had been called to active duty and would miss his wedding and honeymoon.

Virgil Allen, facilities manager at Haskell Indian Nations University, accepts an award from the Kansas Army National Guard. Haskell was honored Thursday for its support of the Guard.

Thompson nominated Haskell and Allen for the award before he was called to active duty. He’s spent the past five months at Fort Leavenworth.

“It’s not bad,” Thompson said. “I don’t get to come home much, but it’s OK.” He said he had “no idea” when his tour would be over.

Accepting the award in front of 50 friends, family members and co-workers, Allen downplayed its significance.

“I don’t feel like I’ve done a whole lot,” he said. “I did what anybody else would do — or should do.”

Allen, 58, was in the Army from 1966 to 1968. He spent a year in Vietnam.

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