BELLEFONTE, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that a Restek Corporation supervisor recently received a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Patriot Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

Vice President of Operations and President of Glastron, a manufacturer of precision laboratory glassware, Raymond Ciampichini was nominated for the Patriot Award by 1st Lt. Wesley Harpster of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery stationed Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.

In nominating Ciampichini for the Patriot Award, Harpster commented: “Restek Corporation supported me throughout my State accelerated eight-week Officer Candidate School (OCS) even though I was hired only five weeks prior. After OCS I was placed on orders to attend the approximately six-month Field Artillery Officer Basic Leadership Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. During that period Restek gave me a raise, provided all bonuses, and even considered for a promotion.” In addition to Harpster’s course commitments, he noted that he is “thankful” for Restek’s “flexibility and obvious loyalty to our service members and our country” during periods of increased Operations Tempo that require drill periods well beyond normally scheduled weekend training.

Presenting the award on behalf of ESGR was William Burkhard, Pennsylvania North–Central Area Chair. Burkhard commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.” Burkhard added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.”

Members of Restek’s leadership were present for the award presentation: Chief Executive Officer Bill Arrowsmith, Research and Development Vice President Bruce Richter, General Council Vice President Frank McNamara, and Human Resources Business Partner Jenny Orthouse. Arrowsmith commented that he was extremely proud to support Harpster’s service in the Guard and that Restek values the work ethic and qualities that those in the Reserve forces bring to the workforce.

In addition to presenting a Patriot Award, Burkhard obtained a Statement of Support from Ciampichini. The Statement of Support confirms that Restek Corporation joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Burkhard. “I am asking all North–Central Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.”

Restek Corporation joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Burkhard added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Restek Corporation 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, 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/PA

Photo (L–R): ESGR Area Chair Burkhard, Patriot Award recipient Ciampichini, and 1st Lt. Harpster.