Castle clears employees for Army Reserves duty.

Castle, the largest independent fuel distributor in the New York metropolitan area, has guaranteed reservist employees an extended leave of absence if the government calls them to duty. The company also assures full reinstatement to former positions for any employee required to serve, announces

"Since the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, mobilization of the National Guard and other branches of the military has become a way of life," says Romita. "Those who serve in the reserves may be called on at a moment's notice and we believe that if someone is called away to serve their country, the last thing with which they should have to be concerned is their job or personal finances."

Reservists Jeff Mortman and Chris Swinton are prepared to defend the United States if deployed overseas or for homeland defense. Mortman, a Castle account executive, joined the United States Marine Corps in 1990 and spent over nine years on active duty in Japan, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Mortman immediately re-enlisted with the Marine Reserves, achieving the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Swinton, a Castle facility assistant, has served as a reservist in the U.S. Navy since 1998. A member of the Construction Battalion, he is prepared to don his uniform if sent overseas as part of Operation Enduring Freedom or somewhere in the United States to protect the homeland.