ESGR-Pennsylvania Committee: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Recognizes Appointment of Mr. Phil Petter as U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador

Harrisburg, PA, December 16, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Chief of the United States Army Reserve Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly has re-appointed Mr. Philip Petter of Montoursville to a third term as U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador in Pennsylvania. 

Ambassadors are the Chief of Army Reserve’s “eyes, ears and voice” in the state where they serve. “They assist in explaining to the American public the Army Reserve’s role in the Army, the missions and capabilities of Reserve units, and the outstanding accomplishments of our Army Reserve Soldiers,” said Helmly. 

In announcing the re-appointment, Helmly acknowledged Petter’s past professionalism and dedication to both the Army Reserve and Commonwealth during his pervious terms. Since September 11, 2001, the time Phil spends in the volunteer position as an Ambassador has increased greatly due to the largest number of mobilizations and deployments by Pennsylvania’s Army Reserve Soldiers and units in history. Petter has participated in numerous departure and homecoming ceremonies. 

As the Pennsylvania North Central Area Chairman for ESGR, a position Mr. Petter has held since 2003, Phil helps employers and Soldiers solve problems during mobilizations and provides valuable assistance to families of deployed Soldiers. With more than 1,500 Guard and Reserve Soldiers currently deployed in support of operations Noble Eagle, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, Petter is an important avenue of communications between the Army Reserve and Soldiers’ communities. Mr. Petter has been involved with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve since 1989. “ESGR provides the connection between the servicemen and women and their employers”, says Petter, “We work to insure the smooth transition for employee to soldier and reverse. It is an honor to serve these outstanding young men and women who serve our country.” 

First appointed in January 1999 as an U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador, Petter is a retired business executive who is well known for his service on the boards of several local and regional civic and community organizations including the Lycoming County and Northeastern Regional Red Cross, the Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce, WVIA Television, and the Williamsport Divine Providence Hospital Foundation. 

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Mr. Petter and his wife have four daughters and five grandchildren. 

About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve-ESGR 

ESGR was established in 1972 by Presidential Proclamation to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR provides employer awareness and recognition programs, human resources consultation, and Ombudsman (informal mediation) services to resolve employment issues with Guard and Reservist employees. Today ESGR operates through a network of more than 4,500 volunteers throughout 55 committees located in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Europe.

The Department of Defense tasks ESGR to ensure that employers understand their vital role in National Defense and to inform employers and their Guard and Reserve employees of their rights and responsibilities under Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) 38 USC Sections 4301-4333.

For more information on Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in your area, call 1-800-336-4590 toll-free and visit ESGR on the web at www.esgr.mil

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