| ESGR recognizes outstanding Ohio employers |
COLUMBUS, Ohio - For more than two decades, Jeff Jones has been a man of two uniforms. During the week, he’s a red and yellow DHL shipment recovery manager in Wilmington, Ohio. But one weekend a month and at least two weeks a year, Master Sgt. Jeff Jones dons his Air Force battle dress uniform to serve his state and nation as a member of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. “DHL has provided outstanding support for me during deployments, including keeping my benefits, holding my job for me, and providing a pay differential so that I don’t lose money while I’m deployed,” Jones said. In recognition of his company’s support of his military career, Jones submitted DHL for recognition through the Ohio Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. DHL, along with more than two dozen state employers, was recognized March 15 for going above and beyond federal requirements to encourage and assist traditional Ohio National Guardmembers at ESGR’s 2008 annual employer recognition dinner, held at the Marriot Columbus Northwest in Dublin. According to Ohio National Guard officials, recognition for employers is critically important to the Guard’s success fulfilling local, state and national missions. “We see more and more of our members being called to support the war, and we’ve been in the fight for more than four years,” said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Hatcher, Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 121st. Hatcher is an employee of the State of Ohio in his civilian career. “It’s important that we remind them that they are patriots and that we couldn’t accomplish our mission without them,” he said. Angie Rece, DHL shipment recovery manager, said her company’s investment in Guard employees makes sense. “DHL benefits greatly from Guardmembers’ supervisory skills. They are role models for our other employees,” she said. Tech. Sgt. Mandowl Nixon, also with the 121st, nominated his employer, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, for ESGR recognition. The state agency not only received the Above and Beyond award, but was also selected for the Pro-Patria award and the AMVETS award. Nixon accepted it on their behalf. - 30 - |
