IGT’s Honored with Adjutant General’s Awards

By Lt. Col. Mickey Kirschenbaum State Public Affairs Officer

IGT’s honored with Adjutant General’s awards   LAS VEGAS – As the COVID-19 pandemic initially bore down on the nation and state last spring, the Nevada National Guard found itself shorthanded in its Judge Advocate General office at the wrong time. Questions concerning unique work conditions, health
considerations for the personnel and requests from the governor’s office all required timely answers from the Nevada Guard’s legal staff. The situation was exacerbated by the fact one of the Guard’s military attorneys was transitioning back to his usual job with the state of Nevada.

   That’s when Lt. Col. Kevin Remus, a traditional Soldier who works as an intellectual property attorney for IGT, entered the picture. The Nevada Guard asked Remus to take leave from his civilian position and support the state’s COVID-19 health response to the pandemic. At first, he was set to work for 60 days; now he is set to remain on duty through August 31.

   While the Nevada Guard has undoubtedly benefitted from Remus’ expertise, IGT has been short-staffed for nearly a year.

   On Friday, Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry recognized IGT for its contributions to the state’s coronavirus response at the Las Vegas Readiness Center. Berry awarded Remus’ boss, Stephen Calogero, the deputy general counsel for IGT, with a Certificate of
Recognition and a commander’s challenge coin. Calogero has been Remus’ supervisor for four years.

  “Working without Kevin has been difficult as we miss his sage advice and technical expertise. The entire legal department has worked hard to pick up the slack as we eagerly await his return,” Calogero said, “However, as a company, we are honored to support the National Guard and the state of Nevada. This is our way of doing our part.”

   Remus said he’s acquired valuable experience while supporting the Nevada Guard’s coronavirus health response effort.

   “I’ve been able to focus on risk assessments and agreements between government and civilian organizations,” he said. “Knowledge gained in these topics will be something I’ll certainly use in my future civilian work.”

   Berry praised both IGT and Remus for stepping up to support the state during the pandemic.

   “Lt. Col. Remus has been a revelation for us when we needed him most; he has been a trusted advisor throughout,” Berry said. “I am honored to recognize his employer and let Stephen know how thankful we are for the generous cooperation of IGT and his legal office.”