Posted on 08/28/2007 4:32:34 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2007 Indiana National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. McAllister is so impressed with the support provided by his employer, Con-way Inc., that he recommended that it receive a prestigious Defense Department award. Con-way Inc. is among 15 businesses and organizations selected to receive this years Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. McAllister nominated the company for the annual award, which honors businesses and organizations that provide exemplary support for their employees in the Guard or reserves.
McAllister is a coordinator at Con-way Freights trucking hub in Plainfield, Ind., located near Indianapolis. The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based firm is a division of Con-way Inc., a freight transportation and global logistics company based in San Mateo, Calif.
McAllister, 41, cited the companys demonstrated concern and support for its employees in the Guard or reserves.
It wasnt so much all of the benefits. I mean, those are nice, because theyre above and beyond what the law requires, McAllister explained.
Rather, he cited his employers practice of welcoming home employees returning from military duty.
Were obviously elated that the company was recognized, but as Ive made it a point to share with people, we didnt do it for any brownie points if you will, or awards for us, said David L. Miller, Con-way Freights chief operating officer.
Were doing it because we have the means to support our citizen-soldiers, and it is the right thing to do at the end of the day, Miller said. We only enjoy our freedoms because we have fine young men and women that are willing to put it on the line.
Con-way Inc. and its subsidiaries provide differential pay to their employees in the Guard or reserves who are called up for active duty. The company also provides health benefits for spouses and children who remain at home and collects and delivers care packages of books, snacks and other items to overseas troops.
We do a wage differential, so that when the guys or gals are deployed on active duty, whatever they would have earned here working for us, we make up the differential between what they make in the military vs. what they would have made here, Miller explained.
Supporting employees in the Guard or reserves whove been activated for duty assists them to have their heads in the mission, so they can come home safely, Miller pointed out.
We dont want them having to look over their shoulders, wondering if their families are being taken care of when they are over there taking care of all of our families, he said.
McAllister recalled being activated to participate in Operation Noble Eagle to guard airports and other vital U.S. infrastructure for two years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. He recently was activated again to help establish a new state training organization that will prepare Guard and reserve troops whove been mobilized for overseas duty.
Miller reiterated that his civilian employer excels at supporting its employees in the Guard or reserves. I dont have to worry about the way the companys going to view me when I get back, the senior noncommissioned officer said, noting his company is proud of its employees in the Guard or reserves.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recognizes U.S. employers that rise above the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency, manages the award process. ESGR assists Guard and reserve members and their employers understand employee eligibility and job entitlements, employer obligations, benefits and remedies under the act.
Miller will accept the Freedom Award on behalf of Con-way Inc. during a formal ceremony here Sept 12
I like these guys!
Very nice, Con-Way, Inc, very nice indeed.
Thanks for taking care of the troops!
Every now and then you come across something that surprises you.
Bravo ConWay Inc.!
bookmark and thanks
Augustine and Sons, Inc. Rose Hill, IA
Con-way Inc. San Mateo, CA
Creative Healthcare Solutions Scottsdale, AZ
CHE Consulting, Inc. Fenton, MO
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Tulsa, OK
Gantts Excavating & Contracting, Inc. Martinsburg, WV
General Motors Corporation Detroit, MI
New Hampshire State Police Concord, NH
Nucor Corporation Charlotte, NC
Sierra Pacific Resources Nevada Power - Las Vegas, NV
Sodexho USA Gaithersburg, MD
State of Tennessee Nashville, TN
Turbocam International Dover, NH
Ultra Machining Company Monticello, MN
Wilmington VA Medical Center Wilmington, DE
The Freedom Award will be presented to these organizations during a formal ceremony on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
In addition, you can check to see if your own company has signed Statement of Support for their Guard and Reserve employees at the following link. It gives you a lists of all employers who have signed, state by state. There are thousands. I'm proud to say my company is on this list.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.