Department of Defense Agency Recognizes C&S Wholesale Grocers with Elite “Seven Seals Award”
Keene, NH - C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. has been presented with the prestigious “Seven Seals Award” by the Department of Defense and the New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
The Seven Seals award is the second highest award of the state committee and is presented to those employers who demonstrate the highest levels of support for our service members. The award was presented to C&S Wholesale Grocers for “meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve”. In addition, employers must have signed a Statement of Support expressing their support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve and must have received a nomination by a service member.
C&S Wholesale Grocers was nominated by Lieutenant Colonel Anthony R. Luiz, United States Marine Corps Reserves. When not in uniform, Lieutenant Colonel Luiz is the Director, Food Safety Training, Development and Regulatory Compliance at C&S Wholesale Grocer’s Corporate Headquarters in Keene, N.H.
David Quinn, State Chairman of the New Hampshire ESGR Committee, assisted by Major General William Reddel, the Adjutant General, N.H., and Mr. Ronald White, Deputy Executive Director, ESGR, from Washington D.C., presented the Seven Seals Award to Shelby Russell, C&S Wholesale Grocer’s Corporate Manager, Human Resources; and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Luiz, US Marine Corps Reserves at a ceremony held at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Saint Anselm College, in Manchester, N.H., on April 28, 2012.
“As a veteran of WWII, our troops hold a special place in my heart. I know how hard it can be to get back into normal life. That's why I've dedicated much of my life to giving them the best opportunities I can when they return from service,” recently remarked, Lester Cohen, C&S Chairman of the Board (1957 - 1991).
C&S has a goal to hire 500 returning U.S. military servicemen and servicewomen. “I know first hand that America’s service members have great leadership ability, initiative, and self-discipline. My personal experiences in the military prepared me for work at C&S in many ways. I was able to bring the skills I learned in multicultural teambuilding, time/project management and conflict resolution. Since arriving at C&S, I found that I thrive in the fast-paced work environment, and enjoy our employee and company support of the local communities during disasters and emergencies. Everyone is involved in everything while having fun in the process”, stated Shelby Russell, Master Sergeant, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, U.S. Air Force Retired, and C&S Corporate HR Manager.
Sophia Rodriguez, Staff Sgt., U.S. Air Force and C&S Warehouse Supervisor states, “C&S' approach to veterans is one of flexibility and compassion. Not everyone can relate to what it is like for veterans to put their life on hold for the good of the country, let alone the toll it takes on the person. Everyone I have had the pleasure to work with has made it seamless for me to transition in and out of the workforce. I have been well taken care of and appreciate the commitment that C&S has made for me and my family in order to provide a desired place of employment for veterans.”
To learn about career opportunities for return service men and women, visit our Military Career Site online at www.WeSelectTheBest.com/military.
About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through informal mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Jim Goss, Executive Director of the New Hampshire ESGR Committee, at (603) 225-1342.