Mike Crapo: “I rise today to recognize a quiet patriot from Idaho. Our National Guard and Reserve troops who have been called up to…”

“I rise today to recognize a quiet patriot from Idaho. Our National Guard and Reserve troops who have been called up to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq have left behind not only families, but in many cases, full-time jobs. Many employers go the extra mile to provide support to their deployed employees, their families, and communities. One such employer-patriot is Albertson's Incorporated, headquartered in Boise, ID. Albertson's Incorporated recently received recognition from the Department of Defense for its extraordinary ongoing efforts in support of deployed employees, and those employees' families. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR, has chosen Albertson's Incorporated as one of only four companies nationwide to receive the 2003 ESGR Home Front Award. The Department of Defense recognizes the efforts of these companies to take steps such as providing pay differential, the continuation of benefits when their employees are mobilized, and a willingness to advocate Guard and Reserve service among their industry peers. With many employees currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Albertson's has shown dedication to the values of freedom and democracy, and perseverance in light of limited personnel resources. Albertson's has translated patriotic words into action, and shown that corporations as well as individuals can lend a helping hand to the men and women of the Armed Forces, their families, and our Nation as a whole.”