WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. September 01, 2010. The small town of Williamstown in Northeastern MA was the scene as two MA ESGR members visited the Countryside Landscape Services, Inc. facility to present a Patriot Award to its founder Gerard St. Hilaire. Mr. St. Hilaire was nominated for this honor by employee and Army National Guard Specialist (SPC) James Mason.  

In his nomination narrative SPC Mason wrote: "He has been very understanding each and every time I had any kind of Military training from drill weekends and annual training to days of Military holidays for parades. He always puts a flag on all his company trucks for the 4th of July and other Military holidays".  

Upon receiving his award Mr. St. Hilaire said he was proud to be able to help James with his military career. He had previously signed a Statement of Support which is displayed in the lobby of the building.  

Established in 1992 by Gerard St. Hilaire and Incorporated in 1997, Countryside Landscape has steadily grown to employ over 90 professionals, who work on over 1,100 properties. The state-of-the art facility contains a 4 acre nursery.  

  
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: Earl Bonett and Gerard St. Hilaire

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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.