Smyrna, DE – Ms. Donna McCullin, Delaware ESGR Volunteer, honored Mr. Ronald Stoner, Esq. of Ronald Stoner, P.A. in Newark, DE with a Patriot Award in recognition of his extraordinary support of his employee whose spouse serves in the National Guard and Reserve.  The recipient was nominated by Army National Guard member SSG Orlando Nieves.   SSG Nieves serves in the Delaware Army National Guard’s 261^st Signal Brigade who has recently returned from a deployment in Iraq.

SSG Nieves writes in his award nomination that “this award is for my wife’s employer of which was very understanding and supportive of me, while I was called to active duty, not once, but twice.  Mr. Stoner gave my wife time off, when she had no time available and never deducted from her pay.  Mr. Stoner is a retired Wilmington police officer and has family serving in Iraq.  I nominate Mr. Stoner because of his understanding, support and generosity.”

According to Christine Kubik, Delaware ESGR Executive Director, “the ESGR Patriot Award was created 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 our nation’s Guard and Reserve units.  Employers are nominated by their military employees”.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency with a mission to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for civilian employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach and Education Programs is available by calling Christine Kubik, Executive Director of the Delaware ESGR Committee, at (302) 326-7582

PICTURED (left to right):

Mr. Ronald Stoner, Esq, Mrs. Patty Jean Nieves, SSG Orlando Nieves, Donna McCullin.