Springfield ambulance company receives patriotic employer award

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Susan Zappa, president of America Ambulance, holds the ESGR Patriotic Employer Award she recently received in recognition of her outstanding support to Illinois Army Guardsman Spc. Stephen Bridges.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/04/2013)(readMedia)-- Susan Zappa, president of America Ambulance, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Award recognizing the local ambulance company's support to its military employees. The Patriot Award honors individuals who provide outstanding support and cooperation to their National Guard and Reserve employees. It recognizes efforts made by employers to support Guardsmen or Reservists through such things as flexible schedules, time off prior to and after military duty, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

"Today we honor Susan Zappa as a recipient of the ESGR Patriot Award for contributing to national security by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve forces," said Stan Zielinski, Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair. "Recognizing outstanding support is one way ESGR works to ensure the support of civilian employers remains strong."

Zappa was nominated for the award by employee Stephen Bridges of Chapin, Ill., a specialist with the 1844th Transportation Company, Illinois Army National Guard.

"I would like to thank Susan for her continued support to the 1844th Transportation Company and the Army National Guard. She continues to show support for me and all the veterans who work for this great company," said Bridges. "Whenever I need time off for my military duties she does not hesitate to grant it. Susan also supports local veterans groups without reservation."

After receiving the Patriot Award, Zappa signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve as a symbol of her company's continuing support of its military employees. The ESGR Statement of Support program offers a way for employers and organizations to show their support for service in the National Guard and Reserve. In signing a Statement of Support employers and organizations pledge to:

• Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act or USERRA.

• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.

• Recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, crises and war.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established to promote cooperation and understanding between Guard and Reserve service members and their civilian employers. The goal of ESGR is to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

Photo caption:

Susan Zappa, president of America Ambulance, holds the ESGR Patriotic Employer Award she recently received in recognition of her outstanding support to Illinois Army Guardsman Spc. Stephen Bridges (left) of Chapin, Ill. Stan Zielinski (right), Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair, presented the award to Zappa on behalf of the Illinois ESGR State Committee.