Defense Department Honors Danos with Patriot Award
The Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced today that on September 23, 2013 Eric Danos, Executive Vice President of Danos, and Reed Pere, Production Services Division Manager of Danos, were both honored with a Patriot Award. In addition Hank Danos, CEO and President of Danos was honored with the “Above and Beyond Award” in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee United States Coast Guard Reserve member Douglas Kunkle.
According to Larry L. Jones ESGR Southeast Louisiana Area Chair, “The Above and Beyond Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize Companies who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Hank Danos, CEO and President of Danos was nominated for being highly supportive of United States Coast Guard Reserve member Douglas Kunkle. Supportive companies are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
“Mr. Reed Pere’ then offered to have my portion of the company healthcare benefits covered in order to avoid issues with my family’s (wife, 5 year old & 4 week old sons) coverage while I would be deployed. Reed also arranged for me to have a significant stipend for the duration of my deployment to cover a loss in wages that I would incur from my military service” said Douglas Kunkle.
Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Louisiana employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said John F. Pugh Jr, Louisiana State Chairman. “Many Louisiana employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”
When asked about the Statement of Support, Mr. Pugh said “By signing the Statement of Support Danos will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.
Danos joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added State Chair Pugh. “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Hank Danos is sending a clear message to the employees of Danos that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.
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 recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.
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