PITTSFIELD, MA. December 7, 2009. In a brief ceremony in this city located in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in Northwestern Massachusetts Mr. Chris Greenman was presented with the Patriot Award. Mr. Greenman is the General Manager of the First Transit, Inc facility operating under contact from the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority. He was nominated for this award by employee James Barnes who is also a Master Sergeant (MSgt) in the US Air Force Reserve. MSgt Barnes said that Mr. Greenman was very supportive of his military career. After receiving his award, Mr. Greenman signed a Statement of Support on behalf of First transit. Also attending the ceremony was Mr. Richard Plankey, the company's Director of Operations.   

First Transit is the nation's leading bus transportation provider, with over 50 years of experience in North America. First Transit manages and operates 235 locations in 41 states, Canada and Puerto Rico for transit authorities, state departments of transportation, federal agencies, municipal organizations, and private companies. First Transit's 15,500 employees operate 7,000 buses that cover over 260 million annual fleet miles.  

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 40 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Western MA Chair and Ombudsman Director Earl Bonett and Staff Member Bill Hebert. 

     

   

Left to Right: Richard Plankey, MSgt James Barnes, Chris Greenman and Earl Bonett       
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Mr. Chris Greenman signing the Statement of Support  _________________________________________________________________________________

 

 If you would join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, call the MA Committee for ESGR_ at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil