135th Signal Company honors Soldiers' employers

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 135th Signal Company hosted a Family and Employer Day on Saturday, May 21 at the Kansas City armory. Among the static displays showcasing the company's new communication equipment, the unit recognized two of their Soldier's employers for their support of the National Guard.
Sgt. Aaron Ide nominated the Lee's Summit Police Department, which he has worked with for 10 years. Ide has been a Citizen-Soldier for 14 years and appreciates the support they give him. Sgt. Dave Schumaker of the Lee's Summit Police Department accepted the recognition.
Staff Sgt. Russell Renfrow nominated his employer, Caterpillar Inc. in Boonville, Mo., for their support, as well. Mark Spiezio, the company's human resources supervisor, was also on hand to accept the award.
Capt. Benjamin Bruening, commander for the 135th Signal Company, thanked both employers for coming out that day and their continued support of the military.
According to Spiezio, having the employer recognized is a rarity. He said that it is usually the other way around where the Soldier is honored.
"I almost feel guilty getting the recognition as the employer," said Spiezio. "Personally, I've never served and I have a lot of respect for those that do. It's the least we can do to provide that time and make it a good environment."
The awards were on behalf of the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve which works to recognize civilian employers that go above and beyond to not only support, but encourage their employees who serve in the military.
For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites:
www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.blog.moguard.com
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For more information about this release, please contact Jennifer Archdekin at 816-262-2893 or e-mail at jarchdekin@gmail.com.