Vermeer Corporation manager Todd Atchison received a Patriot Award from the Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), as we reported last week.

The honor was in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee serving in the ESGR. Atchison was recognized for being highly supportive of the National Guard by his Reserve Component employee, Craig Feagins. Atchison is humbled by the honor, especially coming from a service member.

“To be able to give back or to served those who have served us, I mean that’s huge,” he tells KNIA/KRLS News. “Nothing that I’ve ever done in my life honestly up until now has meant anything, and that sounds a little corny, but to be recognized by such patriots that have answered their nation’s call and have risen to that challenge, I don’t know if I can articulate that.”

Feagins says Vermeer has done good work in helping those in the military adjust back to civilian life.

“I know I work with a dozen veterans who are either Navy, Marines, National Guard, and it’s nice to see fellow service members finding a home on the civilian side,” he says.

We have more on Let’s Talk Pella.