AUBURN, MA. June 24, 2010. A company "Lunch and Learn" cookout was the scene as Jose Garcia, President of Kadant Solutions Division, accepted the Above and Beyond Award on behalf of the company. Approximately 60 employees witnessed the presentation while they enjoyed a tasteful meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and more.  

The Patriot Award that led to this action was initiated by employee Margaret Sullivan, who is also a Master Sergeant (MSgt) in the US Air Force Reserve. MSgt Sullivan will retire from the military effective August 1, 2010. In her nomination request, MSgt Sullivan stated; "Twice I've returned from active duty and been given a promotion. This is my fourth time on orders in support of missions ongoing. My Boss has had to train several personal in my absence. My Boss ensures all benefits are given to me that I deserve. We have always communicated well together, even when things change at the last minute. The company continues to make up the difference of my pay for the first 3 months of each activation. I am also paid benefits such as sick time and vacation time that I am not able to use. I continue to get invited to company events even though I am on Military Leave.  

At the end of 2009, Kadant AES Division and Kadant Web Systems, Inc. integrated their operations to form Kadant Solutions Division. Kadant Solutions Division is a leading provider of doctor blades, doctor blade holders, and doctoring systems for papermaking and other industrial processes. The division's water management products are applied to the forming of paper in the wet end of the paper machine, the cleaning of forming fabrics and press fabrics, and filtration of process water in various industrial processing applications.   

 
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 were Ombudsman Director and Western MA Area Chair Earl Bonett and Staff Member Bill Hebert. 

 

 

 

   Left to Right:  Margaret Sullivan, Earl Bonett and Jose Garcia

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Kadant co-workers listening to award presentation

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If you would Sign a Statement of Support or join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, please call us at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil.