January 7, 2010 - Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MAESGR)

During a ceremony held in America's Hometown and attended by over forty members of the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Joseph McDonald received the prestigious Patriot and Above & Beyond Awards. The Patriot Award was recommended by Sergeant (SGT) Andrew Carlso. The honor was presented to the entire department workforce for their support during his deployment to Iraq.

The Above & Beyond Award was presented to Sheriff McDonald for his outstanding actions in support of the twenty-seven military member employees of the organization and for his efforts in support of many programs sponsored by MA ESGR. Both Sheriff McDonald and his predecessor had previously signed the Statement of Support. First Sergeant (1SG) Bill Chiano, a department employee who will be leaving on his third deployment in the near future presented the Sheriff with a plaque in recognition of his support to him and his family during prior deployments.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 40 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Southeastern Area Chair and Senior Ombudsman Joachim-Ingo Borowski, Ombudsman Robert Pomeroy, Awards Director Roger Fortin and Program Support Specialist David St. Germain.

Read article and see photos here.