Howell, MI – Tri-State sales rep Lt. Bob Walquist surprised everyone, including his wife Colleen, when he showed up to receive an award at Tri-State’s annual awards ceremony in Michigan this past November.

Walquist, who’s been a Tri-State employee since 1993, has been serving his country overseas in Iraq for several months. Even during his deployment, the Lieutenant has continued to stay in email contact with his customers here in the US. Tri-State President Tom Archipley II presented Bob with the award to recognize his outstanding dedication and commitment to both his country and his customers.

Colleen Walquist flew to Michigan from Minnesota to receive The Patriot Award in her husband’s honor. Neither she nor any other attendees of the ceremony knew that Bob was hidden backstage after secretly flying thousands of miles from his base in Iraq. The surprise was orchestrated by Director of Sales Mike Goro with the help of Bob’s commanding officer.

Tri-State Hospital Supply’s success has largely been due to its dedicated and loyal employees, many of whom think of Tri-State as a second family. Headquarters in Howell, Michigan, Tri-State has regional offices all across the country that service health care facilities in each of the 48 contiguous states.

View a local report of Bob Walquist’s homecoming.