PARSIPPANY, N.J. — July 16, 2018 — Delta Dental of New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, was honored with the Freedom Award by the New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NJ ESGR). The company was recognized for its unwavering support of an employee serving in the Coast Guard during the devastating 2017 hurricane season.
The Freedom Award, first introduced in 1996, is considered the highest recognition presented by the U.S. government to employers for their dedication to and support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Last year, Delta Dental of New Jersey IT Security Analyst Christopher Butzko was deployed with the Coast Guard to assist with setting up contingency communications throughout the South and Caribbean for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The purpose of the contingency communications was to reach additional first responders and provide the much-needed relief efforts to the local communities in each hurricane’s direct path of destruction. Delta Dental of New Jersey and its employees were steadfast in their support for Butzko and his critical work for the Coast Guard.
“From the start of my travels in Robstown, Texas, to the end in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, I witnessed extensive destruction, with many individuals left with nothing but the support of their friends, neighbors and first responders,” said Butzko. “I saw the American spirit at its best while Mother Nature was at its worst. That same American spirit was also strong here at Delta Dental of New Jersey. Throughout my deployment, I had several colleagues reach out to make sure my team and I were safe, with many also willing to donate to the relief efforts. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a supportive community and was honored to nominate Delta Dental of New Jersey for this prestigious award.”
“Delta Dental of New Jersey is invested in the well-being of its associates, and we were proud to support Chris during his relief efforts with the Coast Guard,” said Dennis Wilson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “Receiving the Freedom Award is an honor, and we are humbled that Chris nominated us and that we were selected for this significant award.”
Butzko and Lois Nagie, director of Human Resources, accepted the award on behalf of Delta Dental of New Jersey during the NJ ESGR Annual Planning and Awards Meeting on June 29.
About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information, visit
www.deltadentalnj.com.