HOLYOKE, MA. November 30, 2009. The Ruby Tuesday Restaurant located in the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside was the location for The Patriot Award here today. Just minutes prior to opening the doors for the holiday shoppers looking for a place to eat and before continuing their visits to the mall, two members of the Massachusetts ESGR Committee presented the prestigious award to Ruby Tuesday Manager, Ms. Christine St. Marie. Ms. St. Marie was nominated for this award by employee Kara Vautour who is also a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in the US Air Force Reserve. In her nomination, SSgt Vautour thanked Ms. St. Marie for supporting her military career. Upon receiving the award, Ms. St. Marie said: "It is I who should be thanking Kara and all the members of the military service for what they do for our great nation and our way of life!" 

Ruby Tuesday is a publicly owned corporation that was founded in 1972. The franchise program began in 1997 and now includes franchisees in 16 foreign countries. Their 900 plus company-owned and franchised restaurants have more than 50,000 corporate and franchise team members throughout the U.S. and all over the world.  

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". On hand representing MAESGR were Western MA Area Chair and Ombudsman Director Earl Bonett and Staff member Bill Hebert.    

 

Left to Right: Earl Bonett and Christine St. Marie           
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 If you would like nominate your Employer for an award, call the MA Committee for ESGR a508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil.