In presenting the coin to Zeglis Dutko stated, “This commemorative coin is in keeping with an ancient military tradition of commanders acknowledging outstanding performance in battle.  This tradition continues to be upheld with the U.S. military and is considered an extraordinary honor for a civilian to receive this recognition.” 

After accepting the coin, Zeglis replied, “It’s truly humbling to be included in a tradition with such a long and storied history.  This coin will always remind me of the people in the National Guard and Reserve who guarantee our freedom daily through their dedicated and selfless actions.  There’s an old ad that says, ‘Sleep well tonight.  Your National Guard is awake.’  Those of us here in Paramus, who have seen the men and women of the National Guard and Reserves in action, know how very true that is.” 

AT&T Wireless was selected to receive the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) award in recognition of the company’s efforts to go above and beyond the legal requirements for granting military leave and extending benefits and protections to employees mobilized for active duty.  The State Chairman’s Award is the second highest award possible and is presented in very limited situations.

Employees of AT&T Wireless who serve in the National Guard or Reserves receive their full salary through a “military pay differential” for up to 52 weeks.  AT&T Wireless employs approximately 200 men and women who are actively involved in the National Guard or Reserves. Following its split from AT&T on July 9, 2001, AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) became the largest independently traded wireless carrier in the United States and operates one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America with more than 19.95 million subscribers, and full-year 2001 revenues exceeding $13.6 billion.