On Sunday, September 28, Gov. Chris Christie honored BNP Paribas with a Commendation Medal from the New Jersey National Guard, recognizing the bank’s support to the New Jersey military community.
The New Jersey National Guard Review is the opportunity for the Governor to review the troops, salute veterans and families of fallen soldiers, and recognize organizations that support the National Guard.
During the ceremony, which was held in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Gov. Christie expressed his gratitude for BNP Paribas’ enduring commitment to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. A civilian Commendation Service Medal was presented to Andy Yeo, Managing Director and COO of Global Equities Commodities Derivatives Americas, on behalf of BNP Paribas.
Andy Yeo is Executive Champion of the BNP Paribas Military Business Networking Group (BNG), a volunteer group devoted to the development, advancement, and recognition of Military Veterans in the BNP Paribas workplace.
“As Executive Champion of the Military BNG, I was proud to accept this award on behalf of our company and the networking group“ Andy said. “I interacted with a couple dozen high-ranking officers during the Military Review and all of them were greatly appreciative of our efforts in support of the National Guard and veterans in general. Governor Christie also expressed genuine gratitude when presenting us with this honor.”
Over the past five years, the Military BNG has donated over $100,000 in goods and services to the New Jersey military community, through donations to the Veterans Haven North, an establishment for homeless veterans; care packages shipped to deployed personnel; and sponsored events such as ”Hope for the Warriors“, a program that takes care or wounded service members.
Brigadier General Michael Cunniff, who signed the Commendation Medal certificate, said,: “I offer my deepest appreciation and sincerest gratitude for the enduring support that BNP Paribas and the BNP Paribas Military BNG has extended to the members of the NJ National Guard, and wounded and homeless veterans from all the services. Your benevolence and support is an essential part in overcoming our challenges both afar and at home. From the plethora of care packages donated during the holidays to our deployed members to our homeless veterans having fresh new linens to sleep on in our veteran shelters, your organization has made change that can be seen every day in the lives of military personnel, veterans and their families. On behalf of each one of them, I say, ‘Thank You.’ “
The Military BNG is one of several BNGs that support the company’s diversity and inclusion initiative.
About Diversity and Inclusion at BNP Paribas:
In 2008, the US Diversity Council was created to lead BNP Paribas’ efforts in Diversity and Inclusion. BNP Paribas takes great pride in promoting and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and stimulating work environment.