West Honors Veterans at Williamsport Parade
West associates at the Williamsport and Jersey Shore, Pa. facilities recently honored veterans at the First Annual Veteran’s Day parade. Decked out in West fleece jackets and carrying a West banner, a group of 45 associates and family members marched through Williamsport to honor members of the armed forces who are presently serving or who have served the country. The group distributed candy and West key chains to onlookers as they made their way to city hall, where Jim Collins, Jersey Shore Director of Operations, served as a parade judge.
“I’m extremely proud that West was able to provide such a great turnout for this event,” said Collins. “All the participants volunteered their own time to support our veterans, and many have either family members who have or are currently serving, or have served themselves.”
This year’s participation was driven by veteran Dave Maffett, maintenance crew leader at Jersey Shore, whose initiative sparked interest from several employees. The group was then organized by James Klinger, IT site administrator, Williamsport, who is himself a veteran, and Barbara Waldron, Human Resources Manager, Jersey Shore, who grew up in a military family.
“It was a privilege not only to be able to walk in a parade honoring our veterans and those who are in the service, but to work for an organization that values the skills, expertise and experience of veterans and seeks to hire them after their military service,” said Waldron. “And the judges were impressed at the level of engagement and the camaraderie of West’s group, which proved our organization is truly a team.”
The 2014 parade is scheduled for Jersey Shore, and West expects to have even more participants.