Riverside County Department of Waste Resources Recognized with Patriotic Employer Award

NEWS RELEASE 

April 6, 2026

Contact:  Corinne Awad

Deputy Director of Program and Operations

County of Riverside Department of Waste Resources

951 486-3200

[email protected]

Riverside County Department of Waste Resources Recognized with Patriotic Employer Award

From left to right: Ryan Ross, Assistant General Manager, Andy Cortez, General Manager-Chief Engineer, Sarah Lunetta, Principal Engineer, Ricardo Zambrano, OPS Superintendent, Matt Seals, Equipment Operator II and First Sergent 1-18^th Cavalry, Luis Coloma OPS & Maintenance Supervisor, Michael Momaney, Sergeant First Class -18^th Calvary, and Jeff Gow, Assistant Chief-Enignner.

Moreno Valley, CA – On February 11, the Riverside County Department of Waste Resources was honored with the Patriotic Employer Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR), a program of the U.S. Department of Defense that recognizes organizations and supervisors who demonstrate exceptional support for employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The award recognizes the department’s commitment to supporting employees who balance their civilian careers with military service. Only a limited number of employers receive this recognition. It highlights organizations that show strong support for their Guard and Reserve members. The nomination was submitted in recognition of Matt Seals, Equipment Operator II, and the strong support he has received from department leadership during his military service.

Matt began his military career in 2003 when he joined the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. During his time in the Marines, he completed multiple deployments in support of national defense missions. After receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his commitment to service by joining the California Army National Guard in 2008 where he continues to serve today.

Over the course of more than two decades of military service, Matt has held a variety of leadership roles and has participated in both federal and state missions. He currently serves as a First Sergeant, responsible for the readiness, welfare, and leadership development of more than 130 soldiers.

In his civilian role, Matt serves as an Equipment Operator II for the Department of Waste Resources and is supervised by Luis Coloma and Ricardo Zambrano, who have supported his military commitments through flexibility and ongoing communication during periods of training and deployment.

The February 11 recognition included a small ceremony attended by military representatives, and department leadership, who gathered to acknowledge the department’s commitment to supporting employees who serve.

“Employees like Matt demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to service,” said General Manager-Chief Engineer, Andy Cortez. “We are proud to support members of our team who serve both our community and our country, and we are honored to receive this recognition for standing behind them.”

The Department of Waste Resources remains committed to supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve and recognizes the valuable leadership, discipline, and dedication they bring to the workplace.

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