Patriot helps out on home front
JANESVILLE — Roudell Weber, the genial store manager of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, has received yet another award for his service to his country.
And he’s not even in the military.
Weber recently received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that works to promote understanding between employers and members of the guard and reserve.
This is the second time Weber has received the award—and the second time Staff Sgt. Tim Allen has nominated him.
Allen, 49, is a supervisor in Blain’s Farm & Fleet small engine parts and repair department.
He’s been on active duty since November, 2007, working at the Janesville armory, home to Company A of the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion.
Allen also served in Iraq from June 2005 to August 2006.
In February, just as he celebrates his 50th birthday, Allen will be deployed overseas with the rest of Company A.
“Roudell has been very supportive from the beginning,” Allen said. “After 9/11, I whipped myself back into shape and reenlisted.”
Allen hadn’t been in the military for 17 years.
In 2005, when he had to leave, Weber’s attitude was, “no problem.”
When Allen returned from duty, he found his picture proudly displayed at the front of the store, near the cash registers.
Allen is grateful for Weber’s support—and the support of the business.
“Companies like that are hard to come by,” Allen said.
Weber described Allen as “an outstanding guy,” and said he feels strongly that employers need to support those who are risking their lives for their country.
“I give those guys a lot of respect for their commitment to our country,” Weber said. “It’s the least we can do for them.”
Weber also praised Allen for keeping in touch with the store, even while he was overseas.
“Whatever we have to do on our end is pretty minute in comparison to what he has to do,” Weber said. “We’re very proud of him.”
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has seven employees, including Allen, on active duty.
One of those employees, Fred Emery, works directly for Jane Blain Gilbertson, store co-owner.
Emery was gone for close to two years, and his fellow employees simply “pitched in and worked around it,” Blain Gilbertson said.
Jan 1, 2009 at 2:18 p.m.
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Zippy- It's no big deal, if you don't want to give the cashier your zip code, all you have to do is tell them you don't want to give it. They can bypass that part of the transaction and check you out.
Dec 28, 2008 at 11:10 a.m.
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Zebra5320: Your comments here and your private email sent to me give the impression that you are a jealous punk. Please refrain from sending me more emails. My "junk" file is full enough without your garbage.
Dec 27, 2008 at 7:10 p.m.
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Zippy its about time someone complains about it. The cashiers hate asking you as much as you hate answering.
Dec 27, 2008 at 7:04 p.m.
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When Allen returned from duty, he found his picture proudly displayed at the front of the store, near the cash registers.----Wheres the other six?
Dec 27, 2008 at 7:01 p.m.
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I just so happen to work at Farm & Fleet. Your workplace kinda has to let you go if your called to active duty. Theres a lot you all don't know. But to stay within accordance with the Gazettes rules I won't go into it. Theres a lot that the Gazette sugar coats in this article. Doesnt really say what Roudell did that was so extraordinary other than the right thing. Ah, Just think of the extra favorable treatment Tim will get when he comes back, now that he got his good buddy Roudell good publicity. Remember, Its Tim that nominated Roudell, not the Military that made the nomination.
Dec 27, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.
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Knowing that the store supports our soldiers like this makes it much more likely that I will support this business. Congratulations on the award and thank you!
Dec 27, 2008 at 1:10 p.m.
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Congratulations. Farm and Fleet has projected itself for years as a friendly local business that provides quality products and fair pricing. I am not in the least surprised that the award was nominated and given for a second time. Thats just the kind of people they are and business they run. Thank You!!
Dec 27, 2008 at 12:35 p.m.
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Zippy~~Farm & Fleet isn't the only store that asks for your zip code. It's for marketing purposes. What's the big deal? If something as small as that bugs you you're probably the customer from h***.
Dec 27, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
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congratulations again Roudell for receiving the Patriot Award again... thank you SSG Allen for his nomination... good luck to you and the rest of Company A with the upcoming tour...
Dec 27, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
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It is nice to see someone who does this on their own , and goes over and beyond to show their appreciation. As to Zippy,, just don't give it to them. they have heard no before.
Dec 27, 2008 at 8:01 a.m.
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Give it a break Zippy.
Dec 27, 2008 at 6:04 a.m.
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Hey Roudell. How long are you going to keep bugging us every time we buy something by asking us what our zip code is? I'm starting to go elsewhere now, even though I really don't want to.
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