GIG HARBOR, Wash. – Eric Waters, division chief of Gig Harbor Fire and Medic was presented with a Patriot Award, by Jim Miller, awards director for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, along with Mary Miller, south sound area co-chair, and Matt Holroyd, employer outreach coordinator, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Waters was nominated by Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Christopher Morneault, who worked seasonally for the hydrant maintenance program. Morneault was able to present the Patriot Award at Water’s retirement ceremony after 35 years of service. “I highly appreciated that you guys worked with me long distance returning from deployment and also that your department and Chief Waters were totally understanding if I had any military commitments like army reserve drill or if I had to attend any other training,” said Morneault.
“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Jim Miller. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”
I am humbled and honored to have been recognized for supporting Staff. Sgt. Christopher Morneault,” said Waters. “The men and women that serve in our armed forces bring the values of honor and duty from their military service into the workplace.”
“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Holroyd. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”
“As an employee of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One, Christopher's military service and associated experience enhanced our Prevention Division customer service delivery,” Waters stated. “We look forward to being able to provide additional employment opportunities for service members in the future.”
At the presentation Fire Chief Dennis Doan signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms that Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One joins other employers in pledging:
“Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Jim Miller. “By signing the Statement of Support, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. This year, ESGR celebrates 50 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
Pictured: Eric Waters (second from left), division chief of Gig Harbor Fire and Medic was presented with a Patriot Award, by Jim Miller (second from right), awards director for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, along with Mary Miller (far right), south sound area co-chair, and Matt Holroyd (far left), employer outreach coordinator, in recognition of extraordinary support of his employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Waters was nominated by Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Christopher Morneault, who worked seasonally for the hydrant maintenance program.