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As a Navy Reservist, Randy Buchanan understood he could be called any time to defend his country. Little did he know that call would come so soon after taking a job with Pedernales Electric.

The lieutenant, who learned last spring that he was bound for Afghanistan, had serious concerns, as most members of the military do. But while Buchanan’s thoughts turned toward the well-being of his family, he had peace of mind in knowing that, at least financially, his family would be cared for because of PEC’s military leave policy. He was immediately thankful for this, and awestruck by the support and generosity of his relatively new colleagues.

In gratitude, Buchanan nominated PEC for a Department of Defense Patriot Award, which PEC received at its Board meeting on Monday, January 19.

"We congratulate PEC on being recognized with both the Patriot Award and the Above and Beyond Award," said Dwain James, executive director of the Texas Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR). "(These awards) are evidence of Randy Buchanan’s appreciation for the company’s support for him and other reservists."

James said about 28,000 Texas companies have National Guardsmen and Reservists on the payroll, but in 2009, only 70 of those companies were honored with the Above and Beyond Award, "one of the highest awards ESGR can bestow on an employer."

General Manager Juan Garza, who is an Army veteran, voiced his appreciation for those in the military. "We are proud that there are men and women working for PEC who have chosen to serve in uniform and keep this country safe and free," Garza said. "As a company, we are happy to do whatever we can to support these brave Americans and their loved ones."

Shortly after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the PEC Board of Directors voted to amend the Cooperative’s military leave policy to increase the benefits for military reservists. PEC employees called to active duty for more than 20 days receive 50 percent of their base pay during their first year in the military and 25 percent during the second year. Federal law states that any Reservist or National

Guardsman who leaves a job to serve in the military is entitled to return to that job. However, employers are not required to offer any financial assistance to employees while they are serving their country.

Bob DiFonzo, PEC’s district manager in Canyon Lake, said the additional financial benefits can make all the difference.

"The policy was very generous, and while I was recalled for one year it gave me peace of mind knowing my family would not suffer financially while I was gone fulfilling my military obligation," said DiFonzo, a retired Command Master Chief in the Navy. "Had it not been for the Cooperative’s policy, the risk of not making ends meet on just the military pay would have been real and potentially devastating to my family. The awards being given to the Cooperative are justly earned. I saw many instances where employers did the absolute minimum required by law and the devastating affect it had on young service men and women."

When Buchanan, a substation engineering supervisor, nominated PEC for these awards before his deployment last June, he wrote that the "management team has created a culture of support for military service." He noted that almost everyone would take the time to shake every Reservist’s hand and kindly thank them for their service and sacrifice.

He now can attest to the fact that PEC employees called to serve receive more than financial backing, they also receive incredible support from their co-workers while they are overseas.

Every month, PEC employees who work with Buchanan ship a care package to him in Afghanistan. They send him items such as wool socks, cigars, cookies and fresh ground coffee.

"I receive many e-mails, packages and letters of support," said Buchanan, who expects to return to the United States in May. "There is no PX here so you cannot buy essentials. I receive a box every couple of weeks from my staff and management who send provisions to get me by."

That level of support and camaraderie has become a proud tradition at PEC. Archie Lopez, PEC’s district manager in Kyle, received a certificate of appreciation from the Army for the support the Cooperative gave Phillip Orozco, a former soldier.

"PEC recognizes and appreciates the commitment and sacrifice our employees and their families make as they serve in the armed forces, in addition to their jobs at home," said Lopez, a former captain in the Army. "We want to make sure they know we will do whatever we can to support them and their families while they are serving overseas preserving the freedom and security of our country."