Pharmaceutical Company Goes Above and Beyond for Reserve Soldier

by Maj. William Ritter and Gail E. Anderson

Army Reserve Captain, and Hendersonville, N.C. native, Erik Fedak, was recently honored by his civilian employer for his 18 months in Iraq .

Fedak works for pharmaceutical manufacturer Schering-Plough, Inc. as a North Carolina sales representative. During a recent sales meeting, he was pleasantly surprised by his co-workers with a ceremony in his honor.

This was not the first time Schering-Plough honored Captain Fedak however. During his 18 months in Iraq they continued to pay his salary, much more than what is required by law of a company when they lose a Citizen-Soldier to a deployment.

Fedak’s district manager, English Drews, coordinated the event through a series of contacts with military officers. “The ceremony was a wonderful way to honor Eric and our other employees who have military service. Our employees were very proud to see Eric recognized, and very proud to be part of a company that goes above and beyond in supporting our military men and women,” said Drews.

In addition to being welcomed back to work by his fellow employees, Fedak was greeted by an Army Reserve color guard and was presented a U.S. flag by Schering-Plough. Army Reserve Ambassador, Jim Cardo, personally thanked Captain Fedak for his service and applauded the efforts of Schering-Plough for their outstanding support of citizen Soldiers.

Fedak joined Schering-Plough in June of 2005 to be a representative in the North Greenville territory but, just five months later, he found himself reporting to Fort Bragg, N.C. to receive mobilization training. After five months there, he moved out with his Civil Affairs unit to Forward Operating Base Falcon, just south of Baghdad.

As a team leader, he served as a liaison officer between U.S. Forces and local Iraqi government personnel and civilians. One of his most memorable duites in that capacity was to ensure that people in all regions were receiving adequate supplies of government rationed propane, the fuel Iraqis use to cook their food.

Like most Soldiers, Fedak was subject to great personal risk by going on patrols. He traveled throughout Baghdad to inspect projects and meet with Iraqi officials. Often, he was ushered into an area amidst a hail of rocket and mortar attacks and says he experienced several near-misses.

“I’ve seen many things I don’t wish anyone else to see,” said Fedak, whose leadership and valor earned him the Bronze Star and a pair of Cavalry Regiment combat spurs. “But it all comes down to why I do this job. I believe in this country, our military, and our way of life. If it weren’t for the military, I would not be the man I am today.”

Fedak says he’s grateful for the tremendous support he received from his family and friends back home and the “exceptional” support from his friends and colleagues at Schering-Plough.

“I so much appreciate that Schering-Plough kept my zone open while I was in service,” says Fedak. “Since my return, they have made it easy for me to get back up to speed and ready to perform in the field. The company has just been great on every level.”

“We are very proud to have Eric back on our Western Carolina team,” Drews remarked. “He has hit the ground running and I am confident that he will have an immediate and positive impact on his territory and the district.”