Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Thurday, December 17, 2009.  The signing ceremony occurred at the River Road Training Facililty of the Delaware National Guard.
The Statement of Support confirms that the State of Delaware 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.

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 and Education Programs is available by calling Christine Kubik, Executive Director of the Delaware ESGR Committee, at (302) 326-7582.

In photo: Christine Kubic, ED; Paulette Mason, State Chair; Governor Jack Markell; MG Frank Vavala