BEDFORD, MA. October 22, 2009. The Massachusetts Committee
for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MAESGR), an agency of
the Department of Defense, presented 3 Patriot Awards to an employer
in recognition of extraordinary support of one of its employees who
serves in the Massachusetts Army National Guard (MAARNG).
Tammy Follensbee, Edith Nourse Rogers Veteran's
Memorial Hospital Director, Sandra Davidson, Associate Director and
Michael Boudreau, Human Resource Chief, were each nominated for the
Patriot Award for being highly supportive of the National Guard
service by their dual citizen employee, John Martorana.
On hand representing the MA Committee for ESGR
were Volunteer Beth Lyle, Employer Outreach Director, Dr. Tom
Mulvaney and MA National Guard coordinator Sergeant First Class
(SFC) Rich Reynolds. In his presentation, Dr. Mulvaney spoke of the
importance of creating a supportive environment so the service-member
employee can concentrate on the mission without worrying about his
or her job. He said: "Supportive supervisors and fellow
employees are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of
the nation's National Guard and Reserve units and today we are here
to acknowledge and honor that support."
Mr. Martorana, who is the Employee Relations /
Labor Relations Specialist for the department and a Major (MAJ) in
the MAARNG wore his Army Dress Blue uniform to formally present the
Patriot Awards and followed up on Dr. Mulvaney's remarks by adding:
"I have been in previous places where there wasn't this level
of support and I can tell you that there is a big difference here. Everyone
here has been extremely supportive and I appreciate the supportive
environment created here by this team." That sense of support
was evident as Mike Boudreau, a retired Air Force Senior Master
Sergeant proudly wore his dress uniform for this prestigious event.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Ms. Follensbee
proudly signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.
"Although I have not served as John, Michael and Sandra have, I
appreciate their service and feel that it is important to
acknowledge that support and continue to do the right thing and
support the service of 60 plus employees who serve in the Guard and
Reserve."
Bedford, Massachusetts
is home to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Edith Nourse
Rogers Veteran's
Memorial
Hospital. Located near the historic Lexington Green, this VA
hospital is tied to the tradition of the military in this region of
the country. The hospital has publicly announced its support of its
Reserve and National Guard Troops and currently has over 60
employees in the Reserves, National Guard, and Ready Reserves and
provides the highest level of Human Resources services in support of
activated and deployed employees. The hospital recognizes that many
of its best employees are current and former members of the military
and follows federal policies that support employment of Reservists
and prides itself as the employer of choice for
America's heroes. The Edith Nourse Rogers Veteran's
Memorial
Hospital
is proud to be a partner with the Guard and Reserve.
The National Committee for Employer Support of
the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency
established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain
employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing
outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994
and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more
than 35 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier".
From Left to Right: Michael Boudreau, John Martorana, Sandra
Davidson, Tammy Follensbee, Tom Mulvaney, Beth Lyle and SFC Rich
Reynolds
__________________________________________________________________________________
Edith Nourse Rogers Veteran’s Memorial
Hospital Director Tammy Follensbee, signing the Statement of Support
If you would Sign a Statement of Support or join
the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, please call us at
508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil.
