First Transit General Manager Michael Bedlion of Multnomah TriMet in Portland, Ore., received the Patriot Award from the National Guard for the support he provides his employees who serve in the military. He has two employees who are reserves in the National Guard.
First Transit driver Sergeant Major Steve Miller, who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and returned home in September 2012 nominated Bedlion for this recognition. A nominee must demonstrate support for service in the National Guard and Reserve, publicly acknowledge the contributions of reserve component employees to our nation’s defense, support National Guard and reserve employees beyond the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and support guard and reserve employee families during mobilizations.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” Bedlion said. “I greatly value the dedication and sacrifices that our military men and women make in pursuit of our freedom. This recognition is very special to me and something I will always cherish.”
First Transit is an active supporter of the military. Currently, the company partners with the United States Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYs) program. The PaYS program is a nationwide Army initiative with hundreds of corporate partners, offering potential jobs to returning or retiring soldiers.
