NATICK, MA. April 26, 2010. Anything that has to do with the well being and safety of our nation's soldiers is researched, studied and improved in the US Army Lab located here in Natick, Massachusetts. One of the facility's employees, Mr. Michael Griffin, is also a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the Army National Guard. He took some time to recommend his supervisor, Maria Dunton, for the Patriot Award. In his recommendation, 2LT Griffin stated: "Maria has always made special accommodations for my National Guard activities. She has helped me plan and arrange my job requirements so that it will not interfere with National Guard obligations. She ensures that pay actions during military absences are handled expeditiously and without a flaw. She maintained contact with me throughout my training period and constantly goes above and beyond for her employees! Ms. Dunton truly deserves this recognition." Ms. Dunton accepted the award with more than 40 of her fellow workers in attendance.  

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 South Eastern Area Chair and Senior Ombudsman Joachim-Ingo "Ski" Borowski, Volunteer Roger Fortin and Program Support Specialist David St. Germain.   

      

 

    Left to Right:  “Ski” Borowski, Roger Fortin, 2LT Michael Griffin, Ms. Maria Dunton and David St. Germain.    

If you would like nominate your Employer for an award, call the MA Committee for ESGR at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil