Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

• "5-Star" Statement of Support Press Kit

  Employer Support of the GUard and Reserve Question & Answer fact sheet providing information about the 2005 "5-Star" Statement of Support Program.

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• ESGR Executive Director Challenges America's Employers to become "5-Star" Supporters of National Guardsmen and Reservists

  ARLINGTON, VA – Mr. Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, is challenging all of America’s employers to become “5-Star” supporters of National Guardsmen and Reservists.
  
  The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the Employer:
  
  • Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
  • Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA).
  • Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
  • Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
  • Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.
  
  “Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all employers to review and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA), said Hollingsworth. “Many employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which compliment coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized”.
  
  By meeting the “5-Star” Statement of Support criteria, America’s Employers will stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.
  
  “Less than 1% of employers of Guardsmen and Reservists in the United States have achieved the ‘5-Star’ level of recognition by the Department of Defense”, added Hollingsworth. “I am also challenging America’s Employers to give back to their employees who serve our country by changing the way they meet their obligations to these contemporary American Patriots and their families that are left behind when they are called to duty “
  
  To take The ESGR “5-Star” support challenge, employers are encouraged to call Tom Bullock at 800-336-4590, extension 537. Local ESGR committees can help to ensure that “5-Star” Employers will be recognized in their local communities for their extraordinary support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
  
  Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
  
  As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590.