HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - Uniform Color Company is in rare company. It is one of 15 to receive the nation's highest honor for supporting National Guard and military reserve employees. 3,200 companies were nominated.
The company's nomination came from employee Jay Greenwell, who was overwhelmed by the support the company gave his family while on duty in Iraq commanding 30 men.
Sr. Chief Petty Officer Greenwell said many of his men were not as lucky. They had trouble focusing on their mission while worried about losing jobs and health insurance back home. In Greenwell's case, Uniform Color went so far as to fly a babysitter in to care for his children on one occassion - and raised funds so all the men in his unit could receive protective eyewear.
"Being able to have the support and the understanding that your family is taken care of and that you'll be taken care of when you get back home, can make or break a mission" Greenwell said Monday.
Uniform Color will receive the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in ceremonies in Washington in September.
Also honored from Michigan is the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.