Positively Osceola is focused on featuring businesses and organizations that make a positive difference, and make decisions that are truly about the community they are part of. One such organization is the Orlando Utility Commission.

OUC, the Reliable One, was recently honored by the U.S. Department of Defense for its continued support of employees serving in the armed forces. On July 9, Clint Bullock, OUC General Manager & CEO, was presented with the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award while six members of OUC received Patriot Awards. 

The Department of Defense’s ESGR program promotes cooperation and understanding between Guard or Reserve members and their civilian employers.

OUC was nominated for the prestigious Above and Beyond Award by Florida Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Roberto DeMarquez, OUC’s continuous improvement coordinator. A 27-year veteran of the Army, DeMarquez expressed how extremely supportive his co-workers and leaders have been during his Guard-related absences and he praised OUC’s overall support of employees who are veterans.

In presenting Bullock with the award, Zeynep Portway, ESGR representative, said, “The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employers at the state level who have gone above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act federal statute that protects service members’ and veterans’ civilian employment rights. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

Bullock said he accepted the honor for “everyone at OUC who feels we owe our men and women in the military our gratitude for their service to our country. OUC takes great pride in serving and supporting our veterans, who comprise 10 percent of our workforce.”

In recognition of OUC’s unwavering commitment to “citizen warriors,” Portway presented Patriot Awards to:

Cesar Calvet, OUC Board President and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran Gregory Lee, OUC Board Immediate Past President Latisha Thompson, Chief Employee Experience Officer Linda Ferrone, Chief Customer Officer Elizabeth Paul, Director of Strategy Maggie Burdette, Manager of Business Process Improvement and a Navy veteran