Two Smith College managers earn Patriot Awards

  • Published
  • By Andre Bowser
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Two Smith College managers received Patriot Awards from members of the Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in mid-December.

An employee, who also happens to be an Air Force reservist, made the honor happen.

John Shenette, executive director of facilities management for Smith College, and Diane Benoit, building services director, were both surprised by the award presentations, according to ESGR representatives in attendance. The employers were attending a routine weekly staff meeting when they received the surprise.

The two employers were nominated by employee Leigh W. Buckhout, who is also a technical sergeant in the Air Force Reserve. Sergeant Buckhout's military supervisor, Senior Master Sgt. David Reim, took time from his busy work schedule to attend the event and to show his appreciation for the supportive employers. Sergeant Reim and Sergeant Buckhout are assigned to the 58th Aerial Port Squadron.

In his Patriot Award nomination letter, Sergeant Buckhout wrote that both managers were supportive and appreciative of his military service.

Sergeant Buckhout splits his time between serving his country and working for an educational institution steeped in history and tradition.

Smith College opened its doors in 1875 with only 14 students. Today, the school is among the largest women's college in the United States, with students from 48 states and 72 countries. The college admits both men and women as graduate students.

Members of ESGR said the Patriot Award is just one tool the national organization uses to foster strong bonds between Reservists and their employers.

On hand to present the award Dec. 16 on behalf of ESGR was Earl Bonett, the western Massachusetts chair and ombudsman director, and Bill Hebert, the program support manager.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972, with members in every state. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994, and resolving workplace conflicts through mediation.