30TH LEGISLATURE NOMINATED TO RECEIVE FREEDOM AWARD ST. THOMAS – Senate President Shawn-Michael Malone announced Thursday that the 30th Legislature of the Virgin Islands is a finalist for the highest honor the U.S. Department of Defense bestows on employers. The Freedom Award is given to those businesses and agencies who provide exemplary support to employees enlisted in the National Guard and Reserve. “We are so pleased to have the Legislature recognized in this regard as we work hard to ensure that the soldiers on our staff are able to fulfill their duties both at the Legislature and with the military,” Senator Malone said. “I am also exceptionally proud of those Legislature employees who have honorably served our country over the years. Their continued sacrifice is a prime example of why citizens residing in the Virgin Islands should receive the same benefits and rights as those in the 50 United States.” Paul Mock, National Chairman of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, said that each year the agency honors employers who practice personnel policies that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. “With so many supportive employers, we are making significant progress in the reduction of the unemployment rate of our Guard and Reserve members,” Mock said in a prepared statement. “We must remember that our force is comprised of all-volunteers. Enabling our Guard and Reserve members to know they have supportive employers is huge. Thank you for your support and dedication to America’s fighting force and their families.” Second Lieutenant Jahmel Leonard, Transportation Officer of the 76th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, who also works as a Production Technician at the Legislature, said that he was grateful for the institution’s understanding of his military commitment. “They have allowed me to serve my country while still being an employee of the Legislature,” he said. “ Specialist Alvaro de Lugo, Intelligence Analyst of the 786 Higher Headquarters Battalion and Computer Specialist at the Legislature, said that he too was appreciative of the body’s willingness to employ military service men and women and believed the institution deserved the recognition. The organization will select 30 of the most supportive employers this month, with up to 15 being invited to the annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony in Washington D.C. this fall.
Posted on: Fri, 11 Apr 2014 02:59:24 +0000
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