Bristol, NH – Mr Ted Kehr, Chair of the New Hampshire Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that New Hampshire’s Public Service Company – Hydro Plant, received a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.  The recognition ceremony took place at their Bristol, NH location, with the presentation being made by Jim Goss, Executive Director of the NH Committee.

The Statement of Support confirms that PSNH’s Hydro Plant 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 New Hampshire 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 Chairman Kehr.  “Many state and local employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support to current and former members of our military services, and to these companies we offer tremendous thanks”.

When asked about the criteria, Chairman Kehr said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, PSNH’s Hydro Plant 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”.
 
Sergeant Justin McNeff, a member of Company C, 3rd Bn, 172d INF (Mtn), NH Army National Guard, requested this recognition by saying, “This award is to PSNH Hydro Group as a whole to show my appreciation of everyone’s support, not only to me as a member of the military but also as a co-worker.  They have made it easy for me to focus on what I need to, with this upcoming deployment to Afghanistan and the training that takes me away from my work at Hydro.  Their support of the military is appreciated”.

In accepting this recognition, Hydro Plant Manager Bob Gundersen said “It never ceases to amaze me when our Soldiers thank us for helping with their efforts defending our country; our sacrifice is insignificant compared to theirs”.  When word of this recognition reached the PSNH corporate office, Executive Administrative Officer John MacDonald responded “…very thoughtful award from ESGR.  It is a poignant reminder that we have fellow employees in the line of duty to the country, and indeed they need to be recognized and supported by their employers”.

“The Hydro Plant 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 Chairman Kehr. “By accepting this Statement of Support, they are sending a clear message to the employment community that they are true Patriots”.

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 informal 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 Jim Goss, Executive Director of the New Hampshire ESGR Committee, at (603) 225-1342.