Vermont Business Magazine William (Bill) Cleary, owner of Powderhorn Outdoor Sports in Williston and a resident of Westford, was recently presented the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award, for his support to now-former Vermont Army National Guard soldier, (Sergeant) Kevin Eng, of Cambridge. Eng moved unexpectedly from “Inactive” to Active Guard status for multiple deployments, and all the while the company maintained his vacation pay.
Pierre LeBlanc, of Grand Isle, and President and CEO of Engelberth Construction, Inc, in Colchester, supported Second Lieutenant Hunter Anderson, of Essex, during an unexpected deployment to undertake the mid-Summer flood response mission in Central Vermont. In addition, Anderson was absent for two weeks of Annual Training. Anderson commented that he had never been treated with as much flexibility, understanding, and compensation in support of his military commitment as he was with Engelberth.
Both awards were presented by Vermont ESGR Vice Chair, Dave Wheel. Wheel commented that with a small company like Powderhorn, the prolonged absence of even one team member can have a huge impact, and Cleary still supported Kevin Eng’s multiple deployments. Wheel also noted that Engelberth Construction has historically been highly supportive of its several Guard and Reserve members over the years.
ESGR is a Department of Defense Office that builds, supports, and enhances relationships between Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers. They accomplish this by educating service members and employers concerning their rights and responsibilities under Federal law; recognizing supportive employers through a series of awards; and resolving minor conflict as needed.
Pierre Leblanc in center, 2LT Hunter Anderson, requested award, Dave Wheel, Vice Chair, VT ESGR
Sergeant Kevin Eng, requested award, and William Cleary, owner and award recipient.