TENINO, Wash. – Kristopher Gray, lieutenant, and Joe Richey, volunteer coordinator and firefighter, of South Thurston Fire & Rescue were presented with Patriot Awards by Mary Miller, south sound area co-chair, and Shannon Langley, employer outreach coordinator for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in recognition of their support to their employee who serves in the Reserve Components. Gray and Richey were nominated Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Christopher Morneault, a volunteer firefighter with South Thurston Fire & Rescue.
“Lt. Gray and Volunteer Coordinator/Firefighter Richey have gone above and beyond. When I moved to Washington, they took the time to get to new me as a new recruit,” said Morneault. “Over the past three years, they have worked with me in times I needed time off for military training. They also make sure my family and myself are well taken care of at all times. I would like to make sure that Lt. Kristopher Gray and Firefighter Joe Richey know me and my family appreciate their great leadership skills.”
“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 Langley. “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.”
ESGR is a Department of Defense program 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.
For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil/WA.
Pictured: Kristopher Gray, lieutenant, and Joe Richey, volunteer coordinator and firefighter, of South Thurston Fire & Rescue were presented with Patriot Awards by Mary Miller, south sound area co-chair, and Shannon Langley, employer outreach coordinator for the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in recognition of their support to their employee who serves in the Reserve Components. Gray and Richey were nominated Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Christopher Morneault, a volunteer firefighter with South Thurston Fire & Rescue.