Plant director at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Jon Ruge, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award on Wednesday.
“I’m grateful for the honor, but I’m even prouder of how we at DENSO come together to take care of our people,” Ruge said.
Ruge was nominated by Chris McDermott, an engineering manager at DENSO and a U.S. Navy reservist.
“We can’t thank Chris and Jon enough. Chris, for his service to our country, and Jon, for being a prime example of how we can support the military community at work and with their service responsibilities,” Kevin Carson, president of DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Battle Creek said.
While McDermott completed his military duties that took time away from work and home, Ruge managed workloads with colleagues, even offering help to McDermott's family.
"Jon always puts others first and does what he can to help our people thrive, it’s why I nominated him prior to my deployment. How he helped me and others during that time and to this day is further evidence of why he’s deserving of the award," McDermott said.
When McDermott was sent on a 100 day deployment outside the country in January, Ruge stepped up again to help where needed.
“As a Navy veteran, their contributions resonate deeply with me. They also reflect our larger efforts to provide people of all backgrounds resources that will help them succeed at DENSO," Carson said.
The ESGR is a Department of Defense program seeking employers support for employment of U.S. National Guard and Reserve members.
The Patriot Award recognizes individuals who are assisting these members who are fulfilling their service duties.
DENSO is a global mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make or model, according to a DENSO representative.
DENSO's Battle Creek site employs almost 200 military veterans and reservists and still seeks to assist service members in it's work force, according to a DENSO representative.