NEW BEDFORD, MA. August 16, 2010. Veolia Water handles every step in the water cycle for public authorities, including withdrawing water from nature, producing and piping drinking water. It collects, conveys and treats wastewater, in order to recycle it (irrigation, watering, groundwater recharge, etc.) or release the treated water into the environment. Veolia Water conserves water resources upstream and protects release environments and ecosystems downstream in sixty six countries around the globe. Here in New Bedford, one of their employees, Mr. Andrew Pereira, is also a Sergeant in the Army National Guard. Mr. Pereira nominated his supervisor Mr. Tony Balestracci for the Patriot Award. In his narrative, Pereira wrote: "Veolia continues my pay while I am at summer camp and UTAs. Outstanding is how I can describe Veolia. Tony Balestracci is an outstanding supervisor who supports and understands my military membership!" MAESGR Volunteer Roger Fortin reported that this was the second Patriot Award this office has receives. 

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 Volunteer Roger Fortin and Program Support Specialist David St. Germain.   

  

       

Left to Right: Mr. David   St. Germain and Supervisor Mr. Tony Balestracci

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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.