Wackenhut Corporation Honored by the Department of Defense at McDonald's National Salute to America's Heroes

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 05, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Mr. David Bludworth, State Chair of the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Field Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Drew Levine, President Security Services Division for the Wackenhut Corporation, signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. The signing ceremony was conducted in conjunction with the McDonald’s National Salute to America’s Heroes.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the Wackenhut Corporation:

• 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 (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 Florida employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Bludworth.

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Bludworth said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, The Management of the Wackenhut Corporation will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minutemen 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”.

Drew Levine, President of Wackenhut’s Security Services Division said, “We are particularly pleased to receive the distinguished ‘Above and Beyond’ award because it recognizes Wackenhut’s employment policies and practices and its contribution to national security and protection of liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve.” He went on to say, “Wackenhut is proud to commit to the 5-Star Statement and lead the way for not only Florida companies, but employers around the country as well, and we encourage all of them to show their support of the armed forces and the men and women who support out country.”

In addition to the Statement of Support signing, the Wackenhut Corporation received the prestigious ESGR “Above and Beyond Award” from the Florida ESGR Field Committee.

The Wackenhut Corporation is the leading provider of security and security-related services in the U.S. With operations across the country, Wackenhut has the expertise and the resources to meet its customers’ requirements for quality security, training, and consulting and investigative services. Wackenhut is the employer of choice to more than 38,000 men and women, many of whom have proudly served in the military or have had law enforcement careers.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. 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 new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling Tom Bullock at the ESGR National Committee Offices at 800-336-4590.

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