My husband has been an employee of Gates Rubber Co. for more than 10 years. He has served with his National Guard unit during his employment with Gates.
A year ago, his unit was activated in Operation Noble Eagle. Although it only took him to the Dugway Proving Grounds, he needed to put his civilian job on hold. During his deployment, Gates displayed the unrelenting support I could only have wished for other military families. A month didn't go by that I didn't hear from a co-worker from Gates. Our family was included in the company parties and family days. Gates constantly made us feel a part of their family.
My soldier returned to work this week. He was greeted with a celebration, including yellow ribbons tied to the trees and a banner in his honor. His coworkers repeatedly thanked him for his service. This activation affected many companies. Each handled their situations in different ways. I hope that if any company needed some guidelines on how to take care of their military employee and family, they take an example from Gates Rubber Co.
Kristen Sorensen
Magna