RALEIGH, N.C. – Collins Aerospace General Manager Michael Gardner received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award recently for the extraordinary support he provides his employee, North Carolina Army National Guard Lt. Col. Forrest Jublou.

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve in the National Guard or Reserves,” said Ken Oppenheimer, Area Chair for the North Carolina Committee of ESGR. “Supportive supervisors like Mr. Gardner are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s reserve components.”

“National Guard and Reserve members bring a wide variety of 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 State Chair Ed Hamilton who also serves on the  Southeast Region National Board of Directors. “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.”

Collins Aerospace is based in Wilson and Jublou is the battalion commander of  the 1st Battalion of the 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Armor Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army National Guard, headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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/NC

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Ken Oppenheim Area Chair for the N.C. ESGR (right),  presents the Patriot Award to Michael Gardner (center) with Lt. Col. Forrest Jublou at Collins Aerospace in Wilson, N.C. (Photo by Collins Aerospace Staff)

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General Manager Michael Gardner (center), Lt. Col. Forrest Jublou (left) along with Ken Oppenheim, Area Chair for the N.C. ESGR celebrate the presentation of the Patriot Award with the some of the staff from Collins Aerospace Wilson, N.C. location. Mr. Gardner was recommended for the Patriot Award for his support to Lt. Col. Jublou and his service in the N.C. Army National Guard. (Photo by Collins Aerospace Staff).