Raleigh, NC– Bud Baker, Field Chair of the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced Temple Sloan III, President, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in October 2009 at CARQUEST’s Corporate Office.  

The Statement of Support confirms that CARQUEST, Corporate Office 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 North Carolina employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Bud Baker. “Many North Carolina 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, Bud Baker said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, CARQUEST 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”.

“It is an honor for CARQUEST to join the 9,000 organizations in North Carolina who have signed statement of supports” said Temple Sloan III.  “CARQUEST plays an important role in the defense of the nation by complying with existing employment laws protecting the rights of teammates who serve in the Reserve component. All full-time teammates who must leave work for active duty or training are paid the difference between military pay and regular wages/salary for the duration of the active duty call, or up to one year, whichever is shorter. Our Company also continues health and life insurance benefits for 30 days after the service member is called to active duty. All premiums normally paid by the teammate for this coverage is waived during this 30-day period. The Company’s life insurance provides coverage for one month following a leave of absence for all types of coverage including basic, voluntary, AD&D and dependent. And the Company waives any life insurance premiums for this 30-day period. Coverage for health and life insurance are reinstated upon the teammate’s return from leave”.

“Mr. Temple Sloan III 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 Bud Baker.  “By signing the Statement of Support, Temple Sloan III is sending a clear message to the employees of CARQUEST that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

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 conflict 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 Darrell Johnson, Program Support Specialist of the North Carolina ESGR Committee, at 704-279-5826.