NEWTON, MA. June 9, 2010. Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is a Historic School and was the setting here today for the presentation of a Patriot Award. Mr. Yifei Zhang is a teacher in the school and is also serving as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the Army Reserve. Mr. Zhang recommended Headmaster of the Middle School, Mr. Peter Badini for the honor. Mr. Zhang stated; "The administration and faculty of the Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, and Peter Badini in particular, has never failed to support me when my unit requires me for duty. Even on short notice, administrators rearrange class schedules and fellow faculty members willingly give up their free periods to substitute and cover my classes in my absence. When military commitments and annual training periods conflict with academic and sporting events, my employer has always been appreciative of the fact that, my first responsibility has to be to my military obligation. The School and Mr. Badini encouraged me to wear my uniform on Veterans Day, and to use my experiences in the Army as a teaching tool."

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 Field Office has more than 40 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR was Program Support Specialist David St. Germain.  

 

 

  Left to Right: 2 LT Yifei Zhang & Head Master Peter Badini Left to Right:

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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