Pentagon honors Georgia Power for support of Guard, Reserves
Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett speaks at the Freedom Team Salute reception June 22 at the U.S. Army's Fort Myer, near Washington, D.C. With him are, from left, Spc. Philip Rogers, Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Gould, both Georgia Power reservists, and Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, commander of the U.S. Army Reserves.
The U.S. Army Reserve Command has honored Georgia Power for its support of soldiers, veterans and their families, based on a nomination for the Freedom Team Salute by two employees who are reservists.
Mike Garrett, Georgia Power president and CEO, attended a June 22 "Twilight Tattoo" ceremony at Fort Myer, Va., near Washington, D.C., to receive a plaque recognizing the company's support of its citizen soldiers. He was accompanied by Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Gould and Spc. Philip Rogers.
Gould is a senior field service representative for Georgia Power and has been with the company since 1998. He is a 16-year member of the Army with many active-duty and reserve assignments, including serving in Iraq from December 2003 to last February. He is attached to the 2nd Batt. 345th Reg. at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Rogers is a mechanic with fleet services in Forest Park and has been with the company since 1999. He enlisted in the reserves in 2000 and served on active duty in Germany from November 2000 until June 2002.
Both soldiers cited Georgia Power's policy of paying the difference between military pay and their civilian pay as an important factor in making them feel supported while on active duty. They also said co-workers wrote letters, sent e-mails and celebrated their return and that their managers were supportive of their service.
"Whether I was lacing my shoes for work or lacing my boots for duty, I was always shown that I had support, genuine concern and pride from my employers that wherever I was, they were there as well," commented Gould.
"I am proud of these soldiers, and I believe that they carry on the Georgia Power tradition of "Being a Citizen Wherever We Serve," Garrett said. "It means a great deal to our company to be thought of as one of the best employers in the country for supporting the troops, especially those that are our employees. This honor was earned by the 8,700 co-workers who value each other and their service to our communities and our country, and I gladly accept it on their behalf."
Gen. Richard Cody, vice chief of staff of the Army, said the Freedom Team Salute is a way to recognize those that have supported soldiers during their military service.
"Loyalty is one of the Army's core values. Our soldiers promise to be faithful to the U.S. Constitution, the Army and their fellow soldiers," Cody said. "Freedom Team Salute is a great way for soldiers to honor families and employers who share this value and demonstrate their loyalty to our troops."
