Pittsfield - Specialist Seth Tuper of the Massachusetts Army National Guard wanted to thank his civilian employer, Johnson Ford Lincoln Mercury Nissan, for the strong support given to his military career.  He did this by nominating four members of the employer’s management staff for Patriot Awards. SPC Tuper said “It’s nice to work for an employer who respects my military service.” The company went beyond the requirements of the law by continuing his pay and benefits while he has been absent from his civilian job to meet his military obligations.  He said they also work with him to establish a work schedule around his weekend drills and annual training periods and provide support to his family when he is away for military duty. 

Receiving the Patriot Awards were: Mr. Gary Johnson/Chairman, Mr. Chris Johnson/President, Mr. Steve Pinto/Sales Manager, and Mr. James Russell/Sales Team Leader. After receiving the awards, Mr. Gary Johnson showed his continuing support of the military reserve forces by signing a Statement of Support. This is a family owned business that started over 90 years ago. The Chairman is a veteran of six years in the Army Reserves. Two employees have recently retired from the Army Reserves.

 Sergeant First Class Richard Reynolds and Bill Hebert presented the awards on behalf of the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

---

From left to right - Mr. Gary Johnson/Chairman, Specialist Seth Tuper, Mr. Steve Pinto/Sales Manager, and Mr. James Russell/Sales Team Leader