On July 18^th, fellow employees and staff from the Gentex Optics plant in Dudley met in the conference room where they were recognized for their support of a fellow employee who recently returned from military deployment. During this event, Cpl Shetland spoke first hand about military life in Afghanistan and the importance of receiving support from his employer. MA-ESGR then presented the staff and employees with the Above & Beyond Award in recognition of their going beyond what was required to support a fellow employee in the military. Accepting the award on behalf of all involved at Gentex Optics was Mr Russ Weymouth, Vice President of Global Thermoplastics Engineering Group. MA-ESGR noted the Above & Beyond award was being awarded to a team who cared. All could take personal pride in knowing they went above and beyond what was required, and in so doing, provided aid and comfort to someone in harms way. In accepting the award, Mr Weymouth spoke of his appreciation and support for those that step forward and serve. 

Cpl Andrew Shetland, An employee of Gentex Optics at the Dudley plant and a member of the CT ARNG, spoke to individuals during the brief reception about both his time as an infantry team leader in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan and daily afghan life as he saw it. He also projected a series of personal photos on a wall that allowed fellow employees to see images of daily life that he spoke about in Afghanistan. 

In the photo, members of Gentex Optics in Dudley gather around while Cpl Shetland )on left) presents the award to Mr Russ Weymouth.