MIDWEST AERO SUPPORT Recipient of “Employer of Veterans” Award
Contact:
Sue Mroz
Winnebago County Office of Economic Development
404 Elm Street, Room 403
Rockford, IL 61101
815-319-4366
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2008
The National Economic Commission of the American Legion has selected local manufacturer Midwest Aero Support to receive one of three, “Employer of Veterans Awards” statewide. The award will be presented on August 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the Midwest Aero Support office, 1303 Turret Drive, Machesney Park, according to Jack Snyder, Veteran Employment Representative with the Illinois Dept. of Employment Security.
Established in 1969, the Award is presented to one small, one medium, and one large employer in each state for outstanding records in the hiring and retention of veterans. In order to be eligible for the award, at least 10 percent of the nominee’s work force must be veterans. Of Midwest Aero Support’s 34 full time employees and 2 off site sales representatives, ten of the employees (27.7%) are prior service members.
Midwest’s Veteran contingent includes:
Karen Dorcey – USMC 1/82 to 6/89
Michael Lubbs – USN 9/89 to 5/93
Mark Rivera – Army 12/83 to 11/87
Joel Johnson – USMC (R) 12/96 to 10/02
Gary Thorton – USN 2/91 to 2/01 and Seabee (R) 6/02 to 4/05
Stuart Beller – USN 3/86 to 6/87
Lederek Price – USMC 7/88 to 792 and 8/90 to 3/91
Marcus Reinhold – USMC (R) 8/01 to 8/07 and 2/06 to 10/06
Robert Pickett – USAF 9/66 to 8/93
Frederick Beck – USN (R) – 12/44 to 5/84
Winnebago County Board Chairman, Scott H. Christiansen, stated,” We appreciate the important role Midwest Aero Support plays in the County’s growing aerospace industry. I commend CEO Brent Johnson, for recognizing the need to provide jobs for our military personnel returning from active duty by encouraging veterans to seek employment at Midwest Aero Support. The training and skills these veterans acquired in their respective branches of service fits well with Midwest Aero Support’s experienced workforce.
Midwest Aero Support says they are honored to employ such a diverse representation of U.S. military service members. MAS benefits from the extensive training that the government provides service men and women. MAS has signed a statement of support for the Guard and Reserves through E.S.G.R., indicating their willingness to release active Reservists for active duty training or other calls that may occur during employment.
For more information, contact Joel Johnson, Director of Repair Activities – USMC (R)
at (815) – 398-9202. Photos of the veteran staff will be available at the press conference.