Donald G. Allen, President and owner of Granite City Tool Co., of Barre, recently received the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. Shawn Bryan, Vermont State ESGR Chairman, with other members of Vermont ESGR, presented the award for the tremendous support that he has provided the company’s citizen soldier employees.

At one time, four of his fifteen employees were deployed overseas with the Guard, and Allen has continued to support his citizen soldiers in their military duties, regardless of their need. Vermont Army Guard Master Sergeant and Granite City Tool employee Gerry Mascola submitted the request for the award, and were also present for the recognition.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense organization that promotes, recognizes and enhances civilian employer support of citizen soldiers; ESGR also facilitates job opportunities for Guard and Reserve members, all veterans, and military spouses.