The Iowa Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced Mike Buckley, Chris Gehrking, & Dan Scheckel of Pella Corporation were honored with a Patriot Award in recognition of extraordinary support of their employees serving in the Iowa National Guard and Reserve.
“The Patriotic Employer Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” Steve Bogle, Iowa ESGR State Chair, said.
Buckley & Gehrking were nominated by their employee, PFC Kaeline Schuenke, and Dan Scheckel was selected by his employee, LTC Kirk Weppler.
The following is an excerpt from PFC Schuenke’s submission to the Iowa ESGR:
“Mike Buckley, Chris Gehrking, and Pella Corporation have always been really supportive of me in the military. A lot of last minute things come up while I’m at work but they easily go around their schedule to let me leave and do my job. If I have to rehearse for honor guard for a funeral for 2 days of the week at the last minute, they will have someone fill in for me so I can do so. They will let me leave work early to go recruit at my school or do future soldier events, or even just dry clean my ASU’s because of last minute notification. Mike & Chris are literally the most understanding bosses I have ever had, and really support me to go active.”
Mike Buckley responded in saying, “I have the utmost respect for the men and women who serve our country. It was an easy decision when Kaeline approached me about requesting time off for training and pursuing her dream of serving her country.”
Chris Gehrking responded in saying, “I have the utmost respect for all of our military men and women of this great country. The sacrifices that they make to defend the freedoms that we have are indescribable for me. I have no words that I can say that describe the amount of gratitude and respect I have for each and every man and woman serving in our military. Kaeline is a special young lady and we are very proud of her! She is an extremely hard worker and is very dedicated and motivated in all facets of her life. When we found out that she wanted to go full time active military, it was a very proud moment for us! Things like this would not be possible without the strong core values and people focused culture that Pella Corporation has. This company provides its team members like myself the resources, tools, and ability to help support Kaeline and others like her. I am very proud to be part of this great organization that helps make things like this possible.”
The following is an excerpt from LTC Weppler’s submission to the Iowa ESGR:
“Dan Scheckel and Pella Corporation have been very understanding and supportive of my service in the Army Reserve. I have been mobilized twice in the last 10 years and Pella Corporation supported me and welcomed me back as if I had never been gone. It is refreshing to not have added stress when away from my full time job and family. Pella Corporation is commonly thought of and recognized as a great place to work due to this type of support and commitment to our Citizen Soldiers like myself. I am always proud to tell others where I work.”