Communication Company Honored with “Above and Beyond” Award for Supporting Marine Reservist Employee
Employer recognized for supporting reserve employee
Story by Pfc. Nana Dannsaappiah
MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans - An Indiana-based integrated technologies company was nominated for and recently honored with the prestigious “Above and Beyond” Award in recognition of extraordinary support to a Marine Reservist and employee.
Communication Company of South Bend Inc., received the award at the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve banquet in Indianapolis, April 9.
ESGR is an agency of the Department of Defense within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.
“We feel very honored for being recognized for what we don’t think is going out of our way, but something companies should do,” said owner Barry Schleiger, whose company specializes in the design, installation and service of electronic security, life safety, communication and integrated systems.
Surprised and impressed by his employer’s efforts to support him during his deployment to Iraq May 2009 through February 2010, Chief Warrant Officer Tadd Tomoske nominated CCSB, Inc., for the award.
Throughout the deployment, the company kept in contact with Tomoske, a service manager, and sent him care packages which he shared with other Marines. The company also flew two large U.S. and Marine Corps flags in front of their headquarters, as a visible show of support.
Additionally, employees from the company assisted his wife with household chores including mowing the lawn and raking the leaves.
“It made me not so worried while I was gone, knowing that friends from work were supporting my wife,” said Tomoske.
“It’s every one’s responsibility to support these reservists,” said Schleiger. “So much is taken out of their lives with having to gear up and go overseas.”
For more information about the ESGR and the various opportunities for Marine Corps reservists to recognize their employers for support of their military service, please visit the following page on the MFR website: http://www.mfr.usmc.mil/stay/ESGR.asp.
