NOVEC Recognized for “Uncommon Patriotism” by U.S. Department of Defense

NORTHERN VIRGINIA—The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative received the Pro Patria Award from the Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Committee on May 17, 2008 at Fort Belvoir, Va.  The Cooperative also has been nominated for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Both awards, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, represent the highest recognition of employers who demonstrate exceptional support for the nation’s defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for their employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.  Staff Sergeant Gerald Gardner, a NOVEC line technician, nominated the Cooperative for both awards while he was deployed in Iraq in 2007 and 2008.

According to ESGR, the Pro Patria Award (“for the country” in Latin), “symbolizes uncommon patriotism by an employer.”   Charles Quillin, ESGR Virginia state chair, said:  “Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve.”

The Virginia ESGR committee selected NOVEC as one of three Pro Patria Award recipients from a pool of 423 nominated employers.

Mason “Skip” Hollcroft, NOVEC system construction manager, spearheaded support efforts.  He and coordinators in four NOVEC offices collected phone cards, DVDs, homemade cookies and other gifts and mailed them in care packages each month to Gardner and his fellow soldiers.  NOVEC employees also bought and wrapped Christmas gifts for Gardner’s family.

In a January 2, 2008 e-mail to NOVEC from Iraq, Gardner said he called his children on Christmas and they “went on and on about each thing they got.” He said, “Talking to them and hearing the tone in their voices from the excitement and joy you brought them made me happy that they had a wonderful Christmas, even though I was not there.  The presents filled the holidays with cheer….”

Hollcroft accepted the Pro Patria Award for the Cooperative at the 25th Annual Employer Recognition Banquet at Fort Belvoir on May 17, 2008.  “I’m honored to accept this award for NOVEC,” said Hollcroft. “We are all very proud of Gerald and the sacrifice he has made to serve our nation.  During his deployment, we wanted to make sure he didn’t worry about his income, benefits, or family.”

In a letter from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, L. Gordon Sumner, Jr., executive director, congratulated NOVEC for being nominated for the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.  Sumner said, “Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s nomination for this award demonstrates your employee’s appreciation for the exceptional leadership, support and personal devotion you provide to the National Guard and Reserve.  We are forever grateful for your understanding and recognition of our patriotic volunteers.”

ESGR instituted the Freedom Award in 1996 to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.  NOVEC is one of 2,199 nominees.  Award winners will be announced mid-summer.

NOVEC is a not-for-profit corporation that distributes electricity and energy services to approximately 140,000 customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Clarke counties, and the City of Manassas Park, making it one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation. For more information, visit www.novec.com or call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.

Submitted by: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com 

Date Published: 2008-05-28 04:00:00

Section: Community Events,