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Lea recognized for volunteerism
A member of the Co-Lin staff is a recipient of the 2021 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award.
Dr. Tim Lea has been recognized for his sustained quality service as an ESGR volunteer, highlighting his patriotism, good citizenship, and public service, at times achieved through great personal sacrifice, that has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of ESGR and the defense of the Nation.
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Lea for the important work that he does on behalf of Co-Lin,” Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims said.
Dr. Lea volunteers on the Mississippi ESGR Executive Committee as Training Director and has directly aided in multiple programs and activities from employer recognition events to presentations during local Guard and Reserve unit drills. He is the Veteran Services Director at Co-Lin
The James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award is the highest award given to a Committee volunteer for sustained quality service as a volunteer over a substantial period of years. Those receiving the Roche award are ESGR volunteers nominated by their respective ESGR State Committee Chairs for their exceptional contributions to ESGR’s mission over a sustained period of time.
ESGR is unique as a government organization in relying on nearly 3,500 volunteers across 54 state committees to carry out local engagement with Guard and Reserve service members and employers, and to conduct informal mediation between civilian employers and service members when issues arise related to military service.
The Roche award is named for James M. Roche, who served several years as the ESGR National Chair after retiring as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at General Motors Corporation, and other senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Jack Eckerd Corporation and the New York Stock Exchange. Roche once said: "Anybody who achieves a top position in an organization owes a debt of some kind. If you have a talent and you have your health, you should help others."