Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Ronnie Killman, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, Americold Logistics, was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees and family members of those that serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
At 8:15 a.m. on April 11, the “Patriot Award” ceremony was conducted in the conference room at the company office at 1331 Civil War Road, Carthage, MO 64836. Rex Romesburg, Lead Facility Services Manager, coordinated the event. Several of the employees witnessed the presentation of this prestigious award.
Ronnie Killman was nominated for being highly supportive of the military Reserve Component members and their families by Terry Devins. Devins is a mechanic in the forklift shop with the firm. Devins is a Chief Warrant Officer 2, assigned to the FSC, 203rd Engineer Battalion, Joplin, Missouri, of the Missouri Army National Guard.
Col (Ret.) Steven Vanderhoof, ESGR Area 4 Chair, did officiate the ceremony, made opening remarks, and thanked the firm for providing jobs to Guard and Reserve members. The “official” presentation will be conducted by Captain Tia Sanchez, Missouri Army National Guard.
Davins said, “Ronnie Killman is the third shift maintenance supervisor. He has always been supportive of my military duties. I’ve been required to attend extra drills and training meetings; sometimes on short notice. Ronnie has always approved the time off from Americold. The GM Levi Allen is also a veteran. His management team sent all veterans who work here a thank you card on veteran’s day. I’ve never worked for a company that has gone the extra mile to make the service members a part of team.”
Because of the support from his employer he requested this award be presented in an official public ceremony.
According to Rear Admiral (Ret) Lee Metcalf, ESGR Missouri Chair, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between employers and service members. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling (Steven Brothers at 573-638-9500 x7730).
