(Great Falls, MT) – The Montana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Bill Himmelberg, owner of Great Falls McDonalds was honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee who serve in the 120th Fighter Wing, Montana Air National Guard.
According to Mike Flaherty, Montana ESGR State 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. Bill Himmelberg, was nominated for being highly supportive of the National Guard by his Reserve Component employee. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
“I am honored to receive this award” said Bill Himmelberg. “Support of our Guard and Reserve employees is a team effort asking everyone in the organization to step in and do their part to reassure our employees who serve that they are a valued part of the McDonalds of Great Falls team here in Great Falls or wherever their country needs them.”
McDonalds of Great Falls is a second generation family business. Bill Himmelberg Jr. purchased the business in 1981. Bill Himmelberg III took the reins in the 1990s. Bill opened the Marketplace McDonalds in 1998 and most recently rebuilt the 10th Avenue store in 2007.
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. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Tina Whitaker 406-324-3128 |