W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery and Zippo Manufacturing’s American roots run deep.

From stories of a lighter that saved a soldier’s life to Zippo’s wartime black crackle finish designed to reduce reflection, to Case’s M3 Fighting Knife and the V-42 Stiletto issued to the Devil’s Brigade — the first special service force.

After World War II, Case designed and produced into the 1960s its One-Armed Man’s Knife, a tool specially designed for amputees.

More subtle than these examples, yet equally important, is the support both Zippo and Case extend to its veteran and active-duty military employees. Their endorsement was lauded Wednesday morning during a special ceremony held on the grounds of the Zippo/Case Museum and Flagship Store on Congress Street.

Mark Paup, Zippo and Case president and CEO, called the companies “two iconic brands that share more than 200 years of excellence in American manufacturing.”

Yet, he said, “Today’s award ceremony is a first in our historic companies’ history.”

There are federal laws in place, known as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994, that protect servicemembers returning to work after and during military duty.

Decades before USERRA, the Department of Defense established the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), which maintains a committee in every U.S. state and territory. In the early 1970s, as troops returned from an unpopular war in Vietnam and attempted to take up their civilian lives and work, some problems ensued. ESGR was formed to educate uniformed personnel and employers about their rights, mediate disputes and recognize supportive employers.

Erick Scott, specialist with the 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, is also a member of Zippo’s customer outreach team and nominated Zippo and Case for the Pennsylvania ESGR recognition.

Scott described the companies’ contribution of 13 boxes of basic supplies as his team “took direct fire twice from a violent, extremist organization” while they provided operational security and crisis response across outstations in the Horn of Africa in 2024.

“We did not have access to any stores and were relying solely on Amazon deliveries for even the most basic necessities,” Scott said. “Zippo’s generosity made a tangible difference in their daily lives, and that kind of heartfelt support truly deserved recognition.

Scott’s nomination stated, “Soldiers were prepared to face the incoming threat and were not nervous about how they were going to get by after. Four-star Gen. Michael Langley visited our base to congratulate us on our great achievement and I’m certain it was all due to the soldiers being taken care of by companies like Zippo.”

He shared that when he returned from deployment in 2024, “processing a shift from a continuously hostile environment to the quiet comfort of home,” Zippo invited him to its veterans luncheon and surprised him with a collage of photos from his time away.

“That moment showed me, without a doubt, that the people and the company genuinely cared about me even when I was thousands of miles away, Scott said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Zippo and Case received the Above and Beyond Award, ESGR’s highest honor, “for outstanding service and continuing support to the national defense;” and the Seven Seals Award, recognizing their “meritorious leadership and initiative in support” for Guard and Reserve personnel across all branches.

Spec. Erick Scott, right, presents Zippo Director of Employee Relations Ed Hayden, center, with a Patriot Award for “contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedoms by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve forces.” Debbie Golden, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) representative, looks on.

Era photo by Sara Furlong

Then, Zippo Director of Employee Relations Ed Hayden and Benefits and Human Resources Information System Assistant Renee Mika were each presented with a Patriot Award, for “contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedoms by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve forces.”

Scott said Hayden assisted him with the complexities of Guard scheduling and changes as well as checking in with his family while he was deployed. Mika, upon learning that Scott’s team was in need, “jumped to help and coordinated getting us 13 boxes of supplies to help the entire unit.”

Brig. Gen. Francis R. Montgomery of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard said, “Employers are part of the process that makes this whole thing work. There are some companies out there that don’t (support employees who serve or have served).

“That’s not the case here, pun intended,” Montgomery said. “You guys do a great job. The fact you’re this involved and you take care of your veteran employees is very important to us at the Pennsylvania National Guard.”

Grant Duke, co-owner of Zippo and Case, said, “It’s my pleasure and honor to accept these awards on behalf of Zippo Manufacturing and W.R. Case and Sons.

“Without the bravery and selflessness within every one of your ranks, we wouldn’t have the country we love today,” he continued. “Businesses shouldn’t need recognition for supporting our servicemembers with employment opportunities. It should be viewed as a humble civil duty, like the sacrifices you all make serving our nation.”

Debbie Golden, an ESGR representative in attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony, said the idea that Guard and Reserve soldiers give up just one weekend a month and two weeks a year is wildly outdated.

“It’s a juggling act to balance family, a civilian job and your military obligations, and to have a supportive and understanding employer makes all the difference in the world. It’s worth its weight in gold,” she said.

Spec. Erick Scott, right, presents Zippo Benefits and Human Resources Information System Assistant Renee Mika, center, with a Patriot Award.

Era photo by Sara Furlong

“They are constantly training. They’re at the ready for anything that happens in the world. Even if we’re not actively in a war at the moment, (Guard and Reserve) have to train to the same standards as their active-duty counterparts,” Golden continued, adding that “it’s mutually beneficial (for employers) to support the servicemember and to be understanding of the training needs.”

Scott encouraged other businesses to “go above and beyond, as Zippo has done.”

“Supporting veteran employees isn’t just the right thing to do,” Scott said, “it’s an investment in people who bring unmatched dedication, resilience and leadership to the workplace.”

Golden described servicemembers’ lives as a three-legged stool. The soldiers themselves, who have to be fit and prepared, the families many soldiers support and their employers.

“If any one of the legs on that stool breaks, or is faulty, the stool cannot stand,” she reasoned. “When you have an employer that goes above and beyond it is really a wonderful, honorable thing, and to be commended.”

“A lot of people feel patriotic,” Golden said, “but it’s the patriot who takes action and makes a difference.”