Pat Edwards is a certified patriot.

He received an award from the Department of Defense designating him as such Tuesday.

Edwards, parish administrator at St. Augustine, was presented the Patriot Award for his support of National Guard and Reserve members.

Bryan Aho, Reserve member as well as maintenance supervisor at the church, nominated Edwards for taking care of his responsibilities at the church while he’s away on duty.

“This award is given to people who support soldiers as they are mobile. It’s an honor for soldiers to be able to leave and know things are taken care of,” said Norman Hecimovich, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Region 6 Chair, while presenting the award.

Edwards said he was surprised and honored to receive the certificate.

“Things need to be done, so you do them,” he said. “Bryan is involved in a much greater sacrifice than I am. I’m picking up a mop now and then, and he is out in the mud.”