Recognizing success – this Wednesday

[Hayden Collins]

 

A strong commitment can endure changes in circumstances and hold firm when the going gets tough.  This is especially true for the families of National Guard members – who carry on their daily lives among us not knowing when their service member will be deployed, where or for how long – yet who are always ready when called.  For these citizen soldiers, having the support of their employers strengthens not only their service to our country, but also enables them to provide for their families here at home.  And their appreciation is returned in the form of employees who are dedicated to the companies that make this happen.

 

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognizes businesses for their commitment to National Guard and Reserve personnel through the Patriot Award.  For a number of years, it has been an honor for me to present these awards in the Cartersville area. 

In the past two weeks, I have made two Patriot Award presentations to the employers of members of the 108th Cavalry Squadron of the Georgia National Guard.  At the Bartow County Sheriff’s Department, Specialist Brison Strickland nominated Lieutenant Brent Upshaw for his efforts to ensure that Strickland’s work schedule would allow him to participate in training for his National Guard commitment.  And over at Home Depot – where we had already made a presentation a few months ago, to recognize their company’s outstanding support in response to the heavy storms that affect this area in April – I was joined by the whole crew in orange while making a presentation to supervisor Kevin Slay, who had been nominated by Specialist Stephen Howell of the 108th’s C Troop for his support for Howell’s Guard duties.  These employers recognize the value of the service members’ commitment, and the value of the discipline and dedication that these  individuals bring to their companies – no matter what the circumstances.

 

In May 2010, we held a job fair at the Calhoun armory for members of the National Guard 108th who had recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan.  Employers from across North Georgia met service members who were dependable, pre-screened, and ready to work.  It was a proud day for us, bringing together employers, universities, and government agencies with jobs ready to be filled, and reaching out to those who had risked their lives on behalf of us all.  A good many service members found options for employment through that job fair, and even had something that most of us don’t have these days: a choice of employment.  These dedicated service people are in demand.  They make it happen.

 

We will be holding a job fair will be held this Wednesday, December 7 starting at 9:00 AM at the American Legion post in Cartersville, open to all veterans.  I would like to encourage employers who know the difference that this kind of commitment and dedication can make – in daily operations and in a company’s overall success – to come by and meet with these service members, and give them an opportunity to make a difference for you.