SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Seven Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Awards were presented at the New York Life Insurance Company in Southfield May 5. You read that right; seven Patriot Awards at one business.
U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Calvin Washington III nominated these individuals and Fred Kaiser, ESGR volunteer, presented the awards. Read what Washington has to say about his colleagues below.
Linda Crumbley – “Ms. Linda Crumbley has been supportive of me and my Military Career. When I first started at New York Life Insurance Company back in 2019, she never batted an eye when I had to leave for Military Duty. Whenever I am on Military Duty, she goes out of her way to ensure my cases are being worked to the fullest degree and ensures I am abreast as to what is going on. I cannot thank Ms. Crumbley enough for her support, as I am very appreciative. On a personal level, she checks on me while I am away as she understands some the stresses of being away from family. It has been an honor to work under Ms. Linda Crumbley at New York Life Insurance Company!”
Jason Delaney – “Mr. Jason Delaney has always been very supportive of me when it comes to my Military Service. At times he is flexible and understanding when I go away for duty. These past 4 years, Mr. Delaney has supported me while I have been called to support Ulchi Freedom Shield/Freedom Shield in the Country of [Republic of] Korea. There have been moments when I have been called to duty on short notice and Mr. Delaney never berates me with criticism. He has even checked on my family while I am away, and for that it has been and honor to work under the leadership of Mr. Jason Otis Delaney at New York Life Insurance Company!”
Susan Draper – “Ms. Draper and I have been working together since 2019 and this award is long overdue! While working with Ms. Draper, she always makes sure that I am abreast on my cases and that I have in my pipeline. While away on Military Duty she always is able to be flexible and understanding with me. I can’t thank Ms. Draper enough for her service and her support. It has been an honor and a pleasure working alongside Ms. Draper.”
Joyce James – “Mrs. Joyce James has been highly supportive of me since I started working at New York Life Insurance Company in 2019. Every chance she gets she always thanks me for my service. Well, this time I am thanking Mrs. Joyce James for her service and support for me while I am away on Military orders. She ensures my cases get through the pipeline and tries her best to communicate to me when things are needed. She is very flexible when it comes to my communication while away as sometimes, I am not able to access my phone nor communicate. I can’t thank Mrs. Joyce enough for her support. It has been an honor and a pleasure.”
Stephanie Kowalski – “Mrs. Kowalski joined our team almost 2 years ago and has been very supportive since day 1 of her employment. It is not every day you get the honor to rub shoulders with a fellow Ohioan! Mrs. Kowalski ensures when I am away that the Service Team still processes items for my cases and even communicates updates as needed. I appreciate her being flexible when I am out on duty for the Army and her attention to detail. She makes sure things do not slip through the cracks while I am away. With her amazing support I am able to perform my duties as an Army soldier while on Mission. Thank you, Mrs. Kowalski, for your continued support.”
Christine Mientkiewicz – “Ms. Chris has been very supportive of me when I get called into duty. She communicates with me at all times from when something is processed, to if there is a billing issue with a case. Having worked with Ms. Chris over the past 4 years, she has been there for me and has not let things fall through the cracks. Even when I am across the world, Ms. Chris is able to think outside the box and communicates effectively with me. It has been and honor and pleasure working with Ms. Chris, and I can’t thank her enough for her support.”
Anita Puterbaugh – “I would like to take the time to recognize Ms. Puterbaugh for her amazing support of my Military Service. Whenever I am away from the office, she manages my licensing in each of the states I am licensed in. In addition she always makes sure I have all the necessary documents… She goes out of her way to communicate updates while I am in the field and is very flexible when I do not respond right away. We need more employers like Ms. Puterbaugh who understands and supports the Army Mission. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Ms. Puterbaugh!”
We are so excited to celebrate these seven nominations. Thank you to all these awesome military service member supporters.
ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/mi.
Pictured from left: Christine Mientkiewicz, Stephanie Kowalski, Susan Drape, Joyce James, Calvin Washington III, Linda Crumbley, Anita Puterbaugh, Fred Kaiser, ESGR Volunteer