First Lady's Chief of Staff Honored by the Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support of Employee who Serves in the US Naval Reserve

Washington, DC, April 21, 2006 --(PR.com)-- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today Anita McBride, Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady, was honored with a ESGR Patriot Award in recognition of her extraordinary support of a staff employee who serves in the US Naval Reserve.

Maria Miller, Deputy Director of Projects, Office of the First Lady, is a Naval Reservist who nominated McBride for the Patriot Award. “Anita McBride is a great supporter of the military and particularly my military career and commitments,” said Miller.

According to Bob Hollingsworth, ESGR Executive Director, “The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American Employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the Minutemen before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

“Anita McBride joins thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (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 complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized”.

When asked about the support she receives when performing her military duties, US Naval Reserve Lt. Miller said, “Amid a very high tempo, long hours, and little manpower, Anita never questions my time out of the office to fulfill my monthly and annual Navy Reserve commitments.”

“It’s often the little things that keep Reserve members motivated and engaged in our military careers,” added Miller. “During my last annual training period, Anita specifically told my supervisor to “make sure that Maria takes some vacation time this year, as her two weeks of Navy Reserve duty is not vacation.”

Lt. Miller went on to say, “Although the statement regarding vacation seems a simple and logical statement, many employers lack a true appreciation of the time and commitment a Reserve member puts in beyond their civilian employment. Anita McBride provides flexibility, support and the encouragement I need to maintain both my civilian and military careers. I appreciate her as a true patriot.”

All members of the National Guard and Reserve are eligible to nominate their employers for the "Patriot Award" at www.esgr.mil. This award is subsequently used by the ESGR Field Committee as the basis for consideration for employers to receive higher level ESGR awards.

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 Offices 800-336-4590.

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