Ms. Judy Zaal, volunteer committee member for ESGR, honored the firm’s leadership, James Handy and James Moore, Sr., of Chalmers & Kubeck (C&K) with a Patriot Award in recognition of their outstanding patriotic support and cooperation over the years to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The company was nominated by employee and National Guard member 1SG Donald Ritter who is currently deployed with the DEARNG’s 261st TTSB in Iraq.  The nominator boasts on the company’s unwavering support to him with respect to his military service, as well as the patriotism shown by the company on a daily basis.    That was instantly recognizable to Ms. Zaal when she arrived at the worksite.

“After I finished presenting, I turned around to all their employees who had gathered everywhere and started clapping.  Chalmers & Kubeck have a huge American flag hanging at the entrance to their business.   When you drive in, another big sign hanging from their roof reads:  ‘Chalmers & Kubeck supports our troops.’  Inside the office, they had pictures of the 261st and 1SG Ritter.  They frequently mail care packages to the troops.  They are very proud of him, and their patriotism was very evident,” recounted Ms. Zaal. 

C&K in Aston, PA is one of the largest independently owned machine shops in the country. Founded in 1950, with over 184 skilled engineers, machinists, mechanics, welders and fabricators, C & K are experts in industrial repairs and maintenance of all types. Their fully equipped, three acre facility, with up to 50 ton crane capacity, can handle any job from large to small. Customers include original equipment manufacturers, steel mills, power utilities, oil refineries, pulp/paper mills, chemical companies and pharmaceutical companies.

About ESGR:
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. We recognize outstanding support, increase awareness of the law, and resolve conflicts through informal mediation. For more information, please visit www.esgr.mil or www.ESGRDelaware.org

About the Patriot Award:
The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees.  ESGR conducts an awards program designed to recognize civilian employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force.  Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.  Employers are nominated by their employees who serve in our National Guard and Reserve.