RUTLAND—Joe Casella of Chittenden, co-owner of Casella Construction in Mendon, was recently presented with the U.S. Dept. of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award.
David Wheel, representing Vermont ESGR, presented the award for the unconditional support that Casella has given to his employee and citizen-service member Joshua Corkins of Hyde Park. Corkins works as a site foreman for Casella.
Corkins is a Sergeant in the Vermont Army National Guard and serves as an aircraft refueling non-commissioned officer with Company C, 3rd Battalion 126th Aviation (Air Ambulance) of the 86th Troop Command, Garrison Support Command, in South Burlington.
Corkins nominated Casella for the award, saying, “Joe and his brother John are always understanding and supportive of my Guard commitments. There has never been an issue with a request for time off for drill, AT’s or other trainings.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a U.S. Dept. of Defense organization that promotes, recognizes, and enhances civilian employer support of citizen service members. ESGR, with its partners, also facilitates meaningful employment opportunities for citizen warriors, all veterans, and military spouses.
Photo submitted
Joshua Corkins (L), the Vermont Army National Guard soldier who requested the award for his boss, and Joe Casella, co-owner of Casella Construction and award recipient.
