ArvinMeritor Inc. has earned the highest level award in Michigan for providing exceptional support to its employees who serve in the U.S. military and is in contention for a similar national award from the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
The Michigan Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented ArvinMeritor with the Pro Patria award for providing exceptional support to its Guard and Reserve employees on Saturday, May 30, at the regional awards dinner in Grand Blanc, Mich. The group selected ArvinMeritor over 26 other Michigan nominees in the large business category. It also nominated the company to represent Michigan in the national competition for the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
“We’re pleased the committee has recognized ArvinMeritor’s efforts to support our employees who serve in the military,” says Chip McClure, chairman, chief executive officer and president of the Troy, Mich.-based company. “The real honors, however, should go directly to those brave and loyal service members who put themselves at risk day after day for our country. ArvinMeritor is proud of its long history of supporting our men and women in uniform, but we don’t view it as simply an obligation. We believe it’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s a rewarding way to sustain and encourage them while they’re serving, and to welcome them back and thank them for their service when they return.”
McClure, a former naval officer, says he makes a point to stay in touch with the company’s service members to remind them that their fellow employees appreciate the sacrifices they and their families are making. ArvinMeritor’s military leave program includes:
“The Pro Patria award acknowledges ArvinMeritor’s high level of support for their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve,” says Capt. Paul J. Ryan, chair of the Michigan ESGR Committee. “ArvinMeritor symbolizes the devotion of many Michigan companies to members of the military.”
At the award ceremony, McClure accepted the Pro Patria award on behalf of ArvinMeritor along with Jim Babbitt, the employee who nominated the company for the award. Babbitt recently served in the Army National Guard deployed to Iraq, returning last November.
The final selection for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award will be announced in late June or early July.
