BOSTON, MA. August 30, 2010. Retirement from
Military Service is a bittersweet occasion for any man or woman. It
signals the end of a way of life dedicated to our great country and
way of life. When a member of the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Navy
packs his or her "Sea Bag" for the last time, it is a
momentous occasion. "Going over the side" on The USS
Constitution, the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy, is truly a
great honor. Captain Michael A. Cicalese, USCG Reserve, retired
today on board "Old Ironsides".
The retirement ceremony is filled with pomp and
circumstance with the presentation of medals, certificates of
appreciation, letters from the President of the United States and a
traditional "Flag Box" containing the service member's
life history and the national ensign. The Boatswain Pipe sounds and
The Side Boys render honors as the retiree leaves the ship for the
last voyage to civilian life. With the Retirement Officer Rear
Admiral Brian Salerno, USCG Deputy Commandant of Operations looking
on, Captain Cicalese was presented with The Seven Seals Award by
MAESGR's Program Support Specialist Mr. David St. Germain. Captain
Cicalese received the Seven-Seals Award for his efforts on behalf of
the MAESGR Field Office.
MAESGR Field Chair Mr. Tom Boyle recommended
Captain Cicalese for the honor because he has given the
Massachusetts field office numerous networking opportunities
throughout the entire USCG community in Massachusetts. Captain
Cicalese has arranged employer outreach events at USCG facilities in
Gloucester, Woods Hole and Boston. The Captain has been an advocate
for USCG participation in ESGR initiatives for over five years. Attending
the ceremony were several dozen members of the USCG and relatives
and friends.
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 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. Dave St. Germain, Captain Michael
Cicalese, Rear Admiral Brian Salerno
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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.
