June 14, 2018

Half of America’s armed forces are comprised of National Guard and Reserve Component Service members – many of whom simultaneously pursue civilian careers. And though fulfilling the duties of a reservist while working full time for an employer is a balancing act, it’s one that is celebrated and well understood at FirstEnergy.

In fact, FirstEnergy was honored with an Above & Beyond Employer Award on May 22, right before the Memorial Day holiday, by the West Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESRG) in recognition of the company’s dedication to supporting its employees in the Guard and Reserve above and beyond legal requirements.

A Department of Defense program, ESRG was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitments.

FirstEnergy’s ESRG award

FirstEnergy was nominated for the recognition by Sergeant Malkom Kidd, a member of the Guard and Reserve who also works as a yard operator at Pleasants Power Station.

Reservists must complete 120 hours per year in military training, and FirstEnergy makes up for any difference in pay its employees receive during these training periods.

“By year end, I’ll have completed more than 500 hours of reservist training, which FirstEnergy and the Pleasants Plant have supported me through,” said Malkom. “I’m very grateful for the flexibility, understanding and encouragement I’ve received from my management and fellow employees at work.”

For Pleasants Operations Manager and fellow veteran Dave Miller the ESRG award ceremony was especially meaningful.

“During my career in the U.S. Navy I had a few experiences working with reservists,” said Dave, “but attending the ESRG award ceremony gave me a greater appreciation for what they go through. Malkom basically manages two careers at once and has been deployed overseas a few times. I have great respect for the sacrifices he and his family have made in service to our country.”