Doing a Pre-Flight Inspection
Mission safety was our first priority
Launching a FB111A
This was the best part of the day!
Arriving Back to My Dorm
This is when I was single and nothing to do.
At the age of 18, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I joined the military. I knew I loved the military and I liked jets, so I joined the US Airforce. I enjoyed the time that I served and the friends I made. I would not trade the life experiences for anything. It was my pleasure to serve.
Once I graduated, there was a 6 month wait before I went to basic military training. During that time, I was employed with Springs Industries. What I learned before I left for basic military training was, Springs would hold my job for me. By volunteering with this ESGR, I get to tell my story and how this law benefited me when my service was over. Let me tell you what we do.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a volunteer organization in the United States that plays a critical role in supporting and promoting the relationship between civilian employers and their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. ESGR is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that operates under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Its primary mission is to foster a positive work environment for service members and to educate employers about the rights and responsibilities of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserves.
Here are some key aspects of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR):
Education
ESGR provides education and information to employers about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the rights and protections it offers to service members. They also educate employers about the value and skills that military members bring to the workplace.
Mediation and Conflict Resolution
ESGR offers mediation services to help resolve conflicts between employers and their employees who are members of the Guard and Reserves. Questions do arise, particularly related to issues of reemployment, job security, and discrimination. This is a free service provided to employers & service members.
Awards and Recognition
ESGR presents various awards to employers who go above and beyond in supporting their employees’ military service commitments. These awards include the Patriot Award, the Above and Beyond Award, and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, which is the highest recognition given by the DoD to supportive employers.
Outreach and Engagement
ESGR volunteers work to build and strengthen relationships between service members and their employers. They engage in outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of supporting military employees.
Ombudsman Services
ESGR provides ombudsman services to employers and service members who have questions or concerns related to their civilian employment while serving in the Guard and Reserves.
Networking and Resources
ESGR facilitates networking and the exchange of best practices among employers, military members, and community organizations to further support the needs of service members and their civilian employers.
Overall, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve organization is a vital link between the military and civilian communities, helping to ensure that service members can fulfill their military obligations without suffering any negative employment consequences and that employers understand and support the rights and responsibilities of their Guard and Reserve employees. ESGR contributes to the strength of the National Guard and Reserves by promoting a harmonious relationship between service and civilian careers.