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Chief Ken Willette receives Patriot Award from Firefighter ANG MSgt. Eric Pelkey

CONCORD, MA. 19 February, 2009. One of the most revered and historic towns in our great United States of America was the site today of two significant events. Fire Department Chief Ken Willette signed a Statement of Support and was also the recipient of a Patriot Award. The nomination for the Patriot Award honoring Chief Willette was made by MSgt Eric Pelkey, an Air National Guardsman (ANG) employed by the Fire Department. Also attending the event and representing the Town Government was Selection Board Chair Mr. Greg Howes.

In their remarks during the ceremony, Chief Willette and Chairman Howes stressed how the town of Concord has had ties to the National Guard & Reserves dating back to the earliest days of the Revolutionary War. They reminded the guests in attendance that it was here in Concord that the militia system, forerunner of today's National Guard & Reserve Forces, took part in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War at the Lexington Concord Bridge with "The Shot Heard Around The World!"

The Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MAESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 33 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR were Program Support Specialist, Mr. Dave St. Germain and Awards Director, Mr. Roger Fortin.