CRANE, Ind. – A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Branch Manager was recognized for supporting an employee currently serving in the National Guard. Logan Corbett received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award, which acknowledges efforts to provide flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absences if needed.
“This award was a complete surprise,” says Corbett. “I have one employee, James Weber, who is a helicopter pilot in the National Guard. In addition to his work supporting the warfighter at Crane, he has duties for the Guard. Anyone who knows James knows he is passionate about supporting his country – there’s no reason to stand in the way of that.”
Weber, who nominated Corbett for the ESGR Patriot Award, says it was a way he could show his appreciation to Corbett and to the entire team.
“Corbett has been supportive and understanding in my frequent absences on Army National Guard duty,” says Weber. “He has to make workload decisions and changes every time I am away for an extended period of time. Although this can be an inconvenience, he does so without a single complaint or question. I am very lucky and grateful for his support and flexibility as a manager.”
As a helicopter pilot, Weber has many responsibilities such as regular daytime and nighttime training. When a disaster strikes, Weber can be called to serve at a moment’s notice. Last year, Weber was activated to assist a disaster relief effort, and to support state police law enforcement.
“I believe this award really shows the efforts of the teamwork within our branch,” says Corbett. “When Weber is serving his Guard duties, our entire branch steps up and gets the job done. It is not I that does that work; it’s the team. The Branch comes together to support James and, as James intended, they deserve this recognition.”
Corbett says the employees within his branch work like a family toward a common goal. The workforce understands the mission and supports their teammates.
“You may expect a Naval lab to be patriotic and support teammates who serve in the National Guard or Reserve.” says Corbett. “What that means is our entire team comes together for the mission. The work we do here…there’s no mistaking the purpose behind it. We equip our soldiers who make the freedoms we enjoy possible and to provide freedoms for those who don’t have it.”
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.