Somerset — The duties performed by members of the nation’s Guardsmen and Reservists are undoubtedly important — but also important are businesses and members of the community who support those individuals in various ways.Yesterday, during a special luncheon held at the Hal Rogers Regional Fire Training Center, representatives of the Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve — and some guardsmen of the locally-based 149th Infantry themselves — recognized several area individuals and groups for their contributions to Guardsmen, Reservists and their families.

Receiving the committee’s Community Hero Award and Kentucky Spirit Award were local businessman Ward Correll, the Pulaski County School System and South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation. Individual awards were given to Sen. Vernie McGaha, Rep. Danny Ford, Rep. Tommy Turner, Frank Lynch and Richard Sewell.Patriot Awards were given to Bluegrass Oakwood, Fruit of the Loom, Clark Security Company, Combs Residential Service, TTAI, Walmart and Windstream. The businesses were nominated by Guardsmen who are employed by them.

Congressman Hal Rogers was the recipient of the committee’s Seven Seals Award, given to individuals who support the vision and mission of the Guard.More awards were given to the following local businesses and organizations:

• Andy Hall Contracting• The Center for Rural Development

• Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce• Clear Channel Radio

• Commonwealth Journal• Court Designated Workers Program

• Denham Street Baptist Church• Eagle Heights Church

• First Southern National Bank• Gatti-town Pizza

• General Electric Glass Plant• Hinkle Contracting

• Kroger• Lake Cumberland Blue Star Mothers

• Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital• Monticello Banking Company

• Potter’s Place Church• Hal Rogers Fire Training Center

• Heritage Hope Church• National Guard Family Readiness Group

• Pulaski County Judge-executive’s office• Pulaski County Ministerial Association

• Pulaski County School System• Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

• St. Mildred Catholic Church• Somerset Community College

• Somerset Mayor’s officer• Somerset Mall

• Somerset Police Department• South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation

• Subway• Quality Inn

• WKYT/WYMT News