BOSTON, MA. June 14, 2010. In The City
of Boston, one of the most famous cities in the United States, the
honorable Thomas M. Menino, was honored with a Patriot Award today,
in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees. Mayor
Menino was nominated for the Patriot Award by Lieutenant Colonel
(LTC) Ken Viega who is also a Boston Firefighter. LTC Viega is a
member of the United States Army Reserve in
Massachusetts.
According to COL (Ret) Joseph W. Mercuri, ESGR
Field Office Member, "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to
publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic
support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen
warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to
serve." Mayor Menino was nominated for being highly supportive
of the Uniform Services by his Reserve Component employee. The
presentation took place at Mayor Menino's Boston City Hall Office
with MAESGR Field Chair Mr. Tom Boyle, Eastern MA Area Chair Mr.
John Pelose and some of Mayor Menino's senior staff personnel in
attendance.
"These Guard and Reserve members put their
lives on the line for each and every one of us, we should be doing
everything we possibly can to support them." The Mayor went on
to say; "It is an honor to accept this award on their behalf,
as it is an example of the City of Boston's strong commitment to our
Guard and Reserve employees."
COL (Ret) Mercuri stated; "In this environment, civilian
employers play a critical role in the Defense of Our Nation. By
complying with existing employment laws, and protecting the rights
of workers who serve in the Reserve components 'Thank You' Mayor
Menino and the City of Boston on behalf of the Massachusetts
Employer Support the Guard and Reserve!"
The presentation concluded with Mayor Menino
signing the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on behalf
of the City of
Boston. The Statement of Support recognizes that the National Guard
and Reserve are essential to the strength of our nation and the
well-being of our communities. The City of
Boston
now joins other employers around the country honoring and enforcing
their commitment to protect those uniform service members in
maintaining their employment and medical coverage while on
deployment during a national crisis.
As the 1.3 million members of the National
Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique
missions within
America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource
for the employers of our citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes
outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves
conflict through mediation. More information about ESGR Employer
Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil,
or by calling Massachusetts Field Office for ESGR, 508-233-7249.
The MA Field Office has more than 40
volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier".
On hand representing MAESGR were Field Chair Mr. Tom Boyle, Eastern
MA Area Chair, Mr. John Pelose, and Volunteer COL. (Ret) Joseph W.
Mercuri.
Left
to Right: Mr. William Sinnott,
Corporation Counsel, MAESGR Field Chair, Mr. Tom Boyle, LTC Kenneth
Viega, Army Reservist/Boston
Firefighter, Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of the City of Boston, Mr. John
Pelose, Eastern MA Area Chair, and
COL (Ret) Joseph W. Mercuri, Massachusetts
ESGR Member.
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If you would like nominate your Boss for an
award, call the MA Committee for ESGR at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil
