Former Captain in U.S. Army Reserve Surprised with Patriot Award at Bright Horizons in Watertown
April 15, 2016 - Arlington resident Robert Rossi was honored by the U.S. Department of Defense with the Patriot Award for providing exceptional support for his former comrade and current employee U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Jarad Monin, who is being deployed in June. Rossi is a Senior Director of Construction for Bright Horizons Family Solutions® in Watertown.
The Patriot Award is given through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to supervisors and bosses who 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. The award was presented to Rossi at a Bright Horizons staff meeting by representatives from the Department of Defense.
“We are so proud of both Rob and Jarad. They are not only tremendously dedicated to the early educators they help support across the country through their work at Bright Horizons, but they have selflessly served our nation,” said Bright Horizons Chief Executive Officer David Lissy. “Their service to the country and their Bright Horizons family serves as an inspiring example of dedication and commitment for us all and we were honored to share in their recognition."
In February of 2003, while working for Bright Horizons, Rossi experienced a similar situation when he was called to transfer to the 368th Engineer Battalion, a unit based in Londonderry, New Hampshire, that deployed to the Middle East at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed at that time, Rossi met Monin who served under his leadership. Upon returning home, Rossi encouraged Monin to apply for a position in the Construction & Facilities department at Bright Horizons, and more than a decade later, Rossi continues to value Monin as a mentee, a colleague, and a friend.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and I am proud of Bright Horizons for being an example of a company that supports its employees who serve our country,” said Rossi. “When I was deployed to the Middle East in 2003, Bright Horizons stood by me and supported my family, for which I will always be grateful. Supporting Jarad now, as he prepares to deploy, is an opportunity for me to pay forward what I received, and to make sure he knows that we are proud of his service to our country as well as his dedication to the company.”
Raised in a military family, Rossi’s grandfather served in World War II, his father retired as a Brigadier General from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, his older brother graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and his younger brother currently serves as a JAG officer in the Army Reserve. Rossi served in the Army Reserve from 1995 to 2004, at which time he left the Army at the rank of Captain. Rossi is a resident of Arlington, where he lives with his wife Holly and son Ben.
From left to right, Bright Horizons Family Solutions Chief Executive Officer David Lissy, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant & Bright Horizons Family Solutions Construction Project Manager Jarad Monin, State Chairman of MA ESGR Earl Bonnett, Former Captain of the U.S. Army Reserve & Bright Horizons Family Solutions Senior Director of Construction Robert Rossi, Ben Rossi, Holly Rossi, Area Chair of MA ESGR George Charos, Bright Horizons Family Solutions Chief Operating Officer Mary Lou Burke Afonso, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions President Stephen Kramer
From left to right, U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant & Bright Horizons Family Solutions Construction Project Manager Jarad Monin, State Chairman of MA ESGR Earl Bonnett, Former Captain of the U.S. Army Reserve & Bright Horizons Family Solutions Senior Director of Construction Robert Rossi, Holly Rossi, Area Chair of MA ESGR George Charos, and Rob’s son Ben Rossi in front.
From left to right, State Chairman of MA ESGR Earl Bonnett, Bright Horizons Family Solutions U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant/ Bright Horizons Family Solutions Construction Project Manager Jarad Monin, Former Captain of the U.S. Army Reserve Bright Horizons Family Solutions Senior Director of Construction Robert Rossi, Ben Rossi, Holly Rossi, Area Chair of MA ESGR George Charos, and Bright Horizons Family Solutions Chief Executive Officer David Lissy