LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Scott Gaines, transportation assistant manager at Pierce Transit, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Ohad Lowy and Mary Miller, south sound area co-chairs with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in recognition of his extraordinary support of his employee serving in the Washington National Guard at a recent team meeting at Pierce Transit headquarters.
Gaines was nominated by Washington Army National Guardsman Sgt. Ronald Parker, a transit operator at Pierce Transit.
“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Lowy. “Only National Guard and Reserve service members and their spouses may nominate a supervisor for a Patriot Award.”
“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 Miller. “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.”
“It is an honor to receive the Patriotic Award and to support military employees like Ronnie Parker in their vital role in serving our Country,” said Gaines. “Pierce Transit appreciates Ronnie’s contribution to protecting his country and as a valuable employee. Ronnie is an outstanding individual and Pierce Transit is proud to support him with his family, military and employment responsibilities.”
Also present at the presentation were Chief Executive Officer Mike Griffus and Chief Operating Officer Grantley Martelly. At the conclusion of the presentation Griffus also signed an ESGR Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms Pierce Transit joins other employers in pledging:
“Pierce Transit joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Lowy. “By signing the Statement of Support, Pierce Transit 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.”
“Pierce Transit strongly supports our men and women in uniform, and is proud of the fact that more than 20 percent of our workforce is made up of veterans,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “One key way we provide this support is by ensuring agency managers respect the commitments of Guard and Reserve service members, and are helping them however we can. Scott serves as a great example for our agency on this front and we are extremely proud of his leadership.”
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.
Photo caption:
Picture 1: Scott Gaines (middle), transportation assistant manager with Pierce Transit, was presented with a Patriot Award, by Ohad Lowy (far left) and Mary Miller, south sound area co-chairs with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, in Army Reserve Army National Guard. Gaines was nominated by Washington Army National Guard Sgt. Ronald Parker, a transit operator at Pierce Transit.
Pictture 2: Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus signing an ESGR Statement of Support at the Patriot Award Presentation