Virginia Beach – Mr. Roger Trout, State Chair of the Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Frederick Whyte, President, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. The signing ceremony took place at the Stihl, USA Headquarters in Virginia Beach. On hand for the signing ceremony was Mr. Roger Trout, Chairman, ESGR Virginia Committee, COL Tom Stephen, Executive Director, Virginia Committee, ESGR, CAPT Fred Berck, Chairman, Tidewater Committee, CAPT Kevin Olds, USCGR, Employer, Recruiting Manager for STIHL and PO2 Amy Lee, USNR, another STIHL employee, Randall Phelps, Tidewater Committee member, LT Bob Schwectin, and Doyle Quisenberry, CDR, USNR Ret. Mr. Roger Trout presided over the ceremony for ESGR.
The Statement of Support confirms that Stihl, Inc. joins other employers in pledging that:
• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Virginia 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),” Commented Roger Trout. “Many Virginia 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 criteria, Mr. Trout said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Stihl Inc. will stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.
In recognizing the importance of supporting the Guard and Reserve, Mr. Whyte stated that he is privileged and proud to sign a statement of support reflecting his support for our men and women in uniform. A copy of this statement will be displayed in all of our locations.
“Mr. Whyte joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added COL Stephen. “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Whyte is sending a clear message to the employees of Stihl Inc. that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.” Stihl currently employees over 3300 employees and they are known throughout the area for hiring not only current members of the National Guard and Reserve, but also military retirees and veterans from all branches of the Armed Services.
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 employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.3 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 citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Monica Hazelwood-Frisbee, Program Support Specialist of the Virginia ESGR Committee, at 434-298-6118.