WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, MA. May 26, 2010. It was a very hot day (over 90 degrees) as three MAESGR members visited the 439th Communications Squadron (CS) facility at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA to present a Patriot Award to Jeremy Downer, an Air Reserve Technician and Captain (CPT), in the 439th CS. CPT Downer was recommended for the award by employee David Carbin, who is also a Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) in the 439th Air Wing.

In the nomination of his boss, CMS Carbin wrote: "My boss likes to let everyone know that I serve and he proudly explains how important the Reserves are. He has unit picnics and always calls out the Reserves so everyone knows that he is proud to have employees serving in the Reserves. He is just a super employer." CPT Downer said that as a Reservist himself, he knows the pressures that his employees who are in the Reserves go through so he tries to help them as much as possible. He also said that it is just the right thing for every employer to do.  

 The presentation was made in front of the entire 439th CS unit while they were enjoying a cookout for lunch.  

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, volunteer Diane Swain and Staff Member Bill Hebert. 

 

 Left to Right:  CMS David Carbin, Diane Swain, CPT Jeremy Downer and Earl Bonett

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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