Morristown Airport (MMU) is proud to announce that Darren Large, A.A.E., Director, Facilities & Operations, MMU was recently presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Service Member Patriot Award. The award was presented by Gerald Felt with the ESGR on February 28, 2024 at MMU. The ESGR promotes the cooperation and understanding between service members and their employers, and Mr. Large was recognized for his efforts to support service member Marcia Gibbs, a 13-year veteran of the United States Army Reserve, by providing a flexible work environment.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve,” said Darren Large, A.A.E., Director, Facilities & Operations, MMU. “Morristown Airport is committed first and foremost to safety, and Maj. Gibbs is an instrumental member of the team that helps us to maintain a safe and efficient environment. The entire Morristown Airport staff is so grateful to Maj. Gibbs for her service and commitment to our state and nation. We are dedicated to continuing to do everything we can to provide a work environment that encourages her to continue her service through the U.S. Army Reserve and look forward to supporting her throughout her career.”
The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made by civilian employers to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.
Since July 2023, Maj. Marcia Gibbs has worked as an Assets and Contacts Manager with DM AIRPORTS, LTD., which operates MMU. She quickly became an instrumental member of the team, working closely with Airport Operations and Facilities to ensure all airfield and company infrastructure are maintained and meet the required standards for operating an airport. She is a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve which includes deployments to South Korea and Iraq and multiple posts at bases around the United States.
“I’m so thankful to have a supervisor and employer who is committed to accommodating my duties as a service member,” said Maj. Marcia Gibbs; Assets and Contracts Manager, MMU. “Their unwavering support, understanding, and flexibility have made a positive impact on both my time in the National Guard, as well as my experience on the Morristown Municipal Airport team. This award reaffirms the crucial role Darren Large – and other leaders – can play in supporting citizen warriors, and we are grateful for their patriotism and partnership.”