Bruce Webb, Chief Pilot of Airbus Helicopters Inc., and the company were honored Monday for their support of an employee now deployed in military service overseas.

Employer Support for the Reserve and Guard, a component of the Department of Defense, presented awards to Webb and to Jeff Trang, AHI’s Vice President of Technology and Flight Operations, for supporting the service of Pilot Aaron Hupp, an employee now on active duty in the Middle East. Hupp has been an AHI employee in Flight Operations for seven years.

Webb was presented with the Patriot Award from The Office of the Secretary of Defense for his unparalleled support of Hupp while on Active Duty.

“It has been a privilege working with Aaron. Not only is he a fantastic pilot, but he is also an awesome human being,” said Webb.

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support Citizen Warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

Trang accepted the ‘Above and Beyond’ award on behalf of AHI for supporting employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The Above and Beyond Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Hupp nominated Webb and AHI for their unwavering support of his service to the country.

(Left to Right) Bruce Webb, Larry Thompson Texas ESGR, Jeff Trang and Lynn Hupp