Category: Philanthropy

Security Engineered Machinery Donates to Local Eagle Scout Project for Children

February 6, 2020 at 6:48 pm by Paul Falcone

 

Benjamin Duby with his constructed Gaga Ball Pit.

Security Engineered Machinery donated monetary funds to the Eagle Scout project of Benjamin Timothy Duby of Worcester, MA. The project, which began in late 2019, was to construct a Gaga Ball Pit for the students of Wawecus Road School in Worcester, MA to be able to use during recess. Duby recruited family members and friends to aid in the construction after securing the funding from SEM and additional partners.

Benjamin worked as an intern for SEM in the past in both the manufacturing and shipping departments between his own school semesters. In his initial proposal for the project and funding, Duby stated: “Being a small elementary school, there is little budget for a playground and I noticed that another school one mile away had a playground that was much larger and more extensive. Building these pits will provide kids with a safe game to play at recess and a way to stay active.”

The pit, known as a Gaga Ball Pit, is a last person standing arena game where players of all ages bounce a ball towards each other in an attempt to make contact with a player below their legs. If a player is hit by the ball, they are out of the game, and this continues until there is a single player remaining.

“We’ve seen the work ethic and values that Benjamin holds when he has assisted us through his internship,” said Andrew Kelleher, President and CEO of SEM. “Therefore, when he asked if we were willing to help him and the children of Wawecus Road School, it was a very easy decision to make.”

Throughout the 52 years they have been in business, SEM has consistently given back to the community they’ve called home for the last half a century. In the last few months alone, SEM has donated hundreds of pounds of food to the Worcester County Food Bank, provided over 80 toys for less fortunate children from Westborough, MA over the holidays, and built a log cabin playhouse for a local veteran family.

Mr. Duby completed his Eagle Scout project on December 13th and passed the Eagle Scout board of review on January 28th, which is no small feat for a scout to achieve.

Security Engineered Machinery Donates Paper Shredder to Retired Marine Major

November 25, 2019 at 7:46 pm by Paul Falcone

Industry-leading data destruction device manufacturer provides Model 2125P paper shredder to retired US Marine Major James Manel as a thank you for his military service

WESTBOROUGH, MA, November 25, 2019 — Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, donated a new Model 2125P cross-cut paper shredder to retired US Marine Major James Manel. Major Manel, a longstanding user of SEM equipment, served 27 years of active duty including numerous senior intelligence roles as well as two deployments to Iraq.

Major James Manel, retired US Marine Corps, with his new SEM 2125P paper shredder

“I have used SEM shredding equipment across the spectrum of use cases, from Division G-2 staff to service level headquarters in the Pentagon as well as at intelligence components,” commented Major Manel. “SEM shredders have provided a class-leading level of durability and performance, both at home and deployed, that ensure the complete destruction of documents and provide peace of mind. Now, using the SEM 2125P in the home office brings professional quality and reliability as well as that same peace of mind to residential data security for my family. It also makes economic sense when you consider the monetary and time cost of home use shredders and how often they have to be replaced and the frustration of using them. SEM shredders truly have been a lifetime partner for data destruction in my professional life, and now at home as well.”

SEM learned of Major Manel after he had purchased a SEM paper shredder from a third-party surplus site. Upon receiving the shredder, Major Manel noted that it had a damaged cutting head and was missing both a power cord and automatic oiler, at which time he contacted SEM to procure replacement parts.

Command photo of Major James Manel during his time as Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment at Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center, Monterey, CA

“When we learned that Major Manel had received a non-working SEM shredder, even though it was from a third-party, we knew we wanted to provide a replacement,” said Heidi White, SEM Director of Marketing. “Like countless other Veterans, Major Manel has made extensive personal sacrifices in support of our country for which we can never adequately thank him, and providing him with a new shredder was our small way of showing our endless gratitude.”

SEM cautions never to buy SEM data destruction devices from third-party surplus sites, noting that these devices are typically used, in non-working condition, and do not include any type of warranty. In contrast, every device sold by SEM or an authorized SEM reseller includes a warranty and access to SEM’s award-winning customer support team.

“Unfortunately, we do see this quite a bit, and we consistently caution people against buying SEM products from non-authorized sites,” noted Bryan Cunic, SEM Director of Customer Care. “Since we cannot replace every non-working shredder, we do encourage people to contact SEM prior to purchasing from a third-party to ensure the vendor is an authorized reseller. This quick phone call or email can save a lot of headaches in the long run.”

A Veteran-owned company, SEM has been the leading supplier of high security data destruction devices to the federal government and its entities for over 50 years. In 1968, SEM founder Leonard Rosen invented the world’s first high security paper disintegrator, and today SEM continues to innovate new products to destroy classified and sensitive data stored on a variety of media, both traditional and digital.

“There really is no other manufacturer that matches what SEM makes,” added Major Manel. SEM makes hardcopy destruction convenient and reliable in my experience. I am a huge fan of SEM products!”

Thank you, Major Manel, for your service.

Security Engineered Machinery Gives Back to Veteran Marine Family by Building Log Cabin Playhouse

June 21, 2019 at 7:22 pm by Paul Falcone

Secure data destruction device company partners with Habitat for Humanity in Operation Playhouse

From left to right: Leonard Rosen, founder of SEM, and Otto, Robert, and Ashley Bitterman.

 WESTBOROUGH, MA, June 19, 2019—Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, spent the day of Wednesday, June 19, 2019 partnering with Habitat for Humanity for Operation Playhouse. The operation is a partnership that pairs businesses with veteran families to build a playhouse for their children, and this year’s concept was a log cabin. The SEM team started bright and early to design the cabin, which came equipped with its own deck, railings, and chair, to meet their 3pm deadline to present to the Bitterman family, a couple of United States Marines Veterans and their two-year-old son, Otto.

SEM employees (left to right) Todd Busic, Ted Jerdee, Marie DiVirgilio, Karl Lotvedt, and Jeff Lanoue constructing the walls of the playhouse.

“We were honored to present this playhouse to a family who has given so much back to our country today,” stated Nicholas Cakounes, Executive Vice President at SEM. “We are forever thankful for their service as United States Marines, and hope that they will make countless new memories together as a family with this new playhouse.”

Ashley Bitterman served in the US Marines from 2009-2019 and served a tour in Afghanistan from March to September 2011. Her husband, Robert Bitterman, is also a Marine who served from 2010-2014.

The couple watched with smiles as Otto ran into his log cabin, finding a variety of toys and decorations inside his new play space. A stuffed moose head on the wall, a bear skin rug, books, a plastic fishing pole, and his own set of Lincoln logs were just a few of the surprises waiting inside, which Otto took turns pointing to and exclaiming, “So cool!”

Otto with his new playhouse back home.

The entire SEM team stood around and applauded as the Bittermans rolled up, proud of the work they were able to complete together in just a day. Mr. Cakounes presented the family with a certificate of ownership for the playhouse after thanking the Bittermans for their sacrifices and service to the country.

“You can’t beat seeing that kid’s smile at the end of the day” said Ted Jerdee, Inside Sales Representative at SEM. “It’s a small thing to be able to give back to people who have given so much.”

The inside decorations of Otto’s Cabin.

This is the second time that SEM has taken part in Operation Playhouse and it appears it won’t be the last. Throughout the day, different team members were already brainstorming new ideas of how they could top this year’s house, which came complete with a solar panel that supplies power and a stained deck with railings.

The family left an hour after they arrived, excited about the playhouse loaded into their truck by the team at SEM, whose core values include giving back to the community on both a local and global basis.

About SEM

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM) provides comprehensive end-of-life solutions for the protection of sensitive information in government and commercial markets. SEM’s reputation as the authority in high security information sanitization was earned through over 50 years of technical innovation, intellectual curiosity, and unrelenting integrity. By fostering a supportive, team-centric environment focused on talent retention and client satisfaction, SEM is recognized as the undisputed leader in depth of expertise, industry excellence, and reliability. SEM data destruction devices are the premier high security choice available on the market today. For more information, please visit www.semshred.com

About Habitat For Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Security Engineered Machinery Builds Playhouse for Veteran Family

November 29, 2018 at 9:14 pm by Heidi White
The Brown family with their new playhouse

On November 28, 2018, Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, participated in Operation Playhouse, a unique program offered through Habitat for Humanity Metrowest/Greater Worcester. Operation Playhouse enables local businesses and organizations to build and donate a custom playhouse to benefit the children of local veterans and military personnel. The one-day event culminated with the presentation of the firetruck-themed playhouse to United States Marine Corps Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran Richard Brown and his family.

SEM Executive Vice President Nick Cakounes presents the playhouse to USMC Veteran Richard Brown, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom

The event started at 9am onsite at SEM corporate headquarters in Westboro. SEM employees volunteered to participate in various tasks including painting, constructing, roofing, and decorating the playhouse as well as building accessories. Several authentic firetruck items were donated by the Boston and Dunstable fire departments for use in the playhouse. The construction was overseen by David Hamilton, Community Program Manager for Habitat for Humanity. Veteran Richard Brown and his family, from Dunstable, MA, arrived at 3:30pm to receive the playhouse. Nicholas Cakounes, Executive Vice President of SEM, made the presentation.

“Veterans have a special place in our heart here at SEM,” said Mr. Cakounes. “We are filled with gratitude to those who have served our country and protect our freedom, so giving back in some small way through Operation Playhouse was an absolute honor.”

Jeff Lanoue, SEM’s New England Regional Sales Manager, and Garret Peters, SEM’s Operations Manager, constructing the windows.

“This event was incredibly special to me personally,” added Korean War Veteran Leonard Rosen, who is SEM’s founder and Chairman of the Board. “Mr. Brown selflessly served his country, ensuring our rights and freedom. That is a debt we can never repay, so we were thrilled to be able to do something to bring joy to him and his family.”

SEM is a veteran-owned company whose primary client base is the United States Federal Government and its entities, including all branches of the United States Military.

Service Technicians Shawn Barnham, Don Donahue, and Dave Carroll built a custom ladder for the playhouse

SEM Supports Civil Air Patrol

June 24, 2018 at 5:44 pm by Heidi White

SEM has made a donation to the Civil Air Patrol in honor of Karl Lotvedt, SEM DC Sales Support Representative, who is Commander of the Osprey Composite Squadron of the Maryland Wing of Civil Air Patrol.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a wholly volunteer organization that is an auxiliary of the USAF. CAP has three primary missions:

  1. Cadet programs: Teach cadets ages 12-21 about leadership, responsibility, respect, organization, drill, and ceremonies.
  2. Aerospace Education: Teach about how and why an airplane flies in which cadets get five hours in control of a single engine Cessna (next to the pilot) and five hours in a glider. They also have the opportunity to become a private pilot.
  3. Emergency Services: Search and rescue.

Karl’s role as a commander requires him to oversee all the training of his cadets and seniors (adult officers) to make sure they are ready when called for a mission, which are given to them by the USAF. Karl became involved with CAP in 2003 after he retired from the United States Air Force. He began at the Martin State Airport squadron in Essex before starting the Osprey Composite Squadron in Dundalk, MD.

“A lot of patriotism is lost in today’s world, especially among the younger people, and the CAP can help restore that,” commented Karl. “We’re a small squadron but we are there if we are ever needed.”

SEM is incredibly appreciative of Karl for his tireless efforts with Civil Air Patrol, and we are honored to support this noble cause. For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com. 

SEM Donates to Local Food Bank

December 20, 2017 at 5:40 pm by Heidi White

SEM employees in the Westboro, MA corporate headquarters donated over 250 pounds of food to the Worcester County Food Bank. To incentivize employees to donate more food, SEM offered a gift card as a raffle prize for employees who donated. Employees received one ticket per 10 pounds of food donated. The best part? The winner decided to donate the gift card to the Worcester County Food Bank as well. We couldn’t be more proud of our employees and their dedication to supporting the local community.