Decorative Panels Inc receives award
ALPENA — Without the cooperation of companies all over the country, it would be difficult for soldiers in the National Guard and reserves to fulfill their commitments. It could also hinder militarily action or emergency disaster relief efforts here and around the globe, according to a military official.
On Wednesday, Decorative Panel International was presented an award from U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis for going above and beyond what is required for accommodating employees in the service.
DPI was nominated by Army Capt. Adam Ptasnik, who served four years on active duty in the Army and is now in the reserves.
Ptasnik nominated Plant Manager Duncan Gray and DPI for the award because of the effort they make to help him with his military obligations. After a review of the nomination letter by the Department of Defense for Reserve Affairs, the nomination was selected.
National Guard Employer Support Ombudsman Director Peter Pallas said he only presents on average three awards annually, but he does so with great admiration for the effort the employee and employer made to support the military.
“Half of our military is Guard and Reserve and active military strength is down to what it was before World War II and maybe lower than that,” Pallas said. “We rely on our Reserve, Guard and employers to help project our military and political influence around the world.”
Ptasnik said without the support of Gray and other employees at DPI it would be a difficult balancing act and something would have to give. He said because the plant is accommodating, he is able to fulfill his civic duty and his employment responsibilities.
“What they do for me is really huge. If I didn’t have that support I would definitely have to get out of the Reserves, which would have an affect on my family. By having support from my civilian employer, it allows me to continue to serve,” Ptasnik said.
Gray said there is one other employee who is in the National Guard and the company also provides needed time off and support when needed.
Ptasnik has been able to thrive as an employee at the plant, Gray said. So much so he has been assigned more responsibility.
“He has been able to use his training from the Army at work and we have already advanced him in the nine months he has been here,” Gray said. “He is continuing to grow in his job, as he is in his ranks in the Army.”
Pallas said employers who work with soldiers while they are away on duty and when they return is important. He said not only does it impact their productivity at work, but also their personal life at home.
“It is like a three-legged stool. One leg is the service member’s country requirements, the second leg is his family and third his employer,” Pallas said. “If any of the three legs break and the soldier crashes and quits the Reserve force, that is something we never want or need.”
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.