Merit Awards

Anyone with a young, new driver in their household can appreciate the worry that accompanies almost every trip in the family car. For the Roubik family of Oakton, Virginia, an icy road on an early February morning made one of their worst nightmares come true. On that day, the sport utility vehicle their teenage daughter Lauren was driving slid downhill across oncoming traffic and rolled over into a steep ditch.

Remarkably, several cars continued on their way, ignoring the situation. Fortunately, Asplundh Lead Foreman Robert High, Foreman Jason Nichols and Climber Milton Lopez (pictured here, L to R) from the Tom McDonnell Region immediately stopped to help. The crew ran to the car, evaluated the circumstances and helped to rescue Lauren through a back window. Robert gave the young woman a "piggy back" ride to higher, safer ground while Jason and Milton controlled traffic. Soon the police and rescue squad arrived and the crew remained on the scene, controlling traffic throughout the short investigation.

Luckily, Lauren only sustained minor bumps and seat belt strain. In a letter to Chairman/CEO Chris Asplundh, Lauren's father Robert, wrote:

It is very gratifying that there are other moms, dads, concerned guys and your corporate philosophy that would encourage the community involvement as Asplundh did on Tuesday. A most sincere Thank You!

In appreciation of their good deed, Vice President/Sponsor Gregg Asplundh presented Silver Merit Awards to Robert, Jason and Milton. On hand to offer their thanks as well were Dominion Virginia Power Forester Chuck Demastus, Asplundh Vice President Tom McDonnell and General Foreman Victor Vermillion.

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