Kansas City, Missouri – Brigadier General (Retired) Tracy Beckette, State Chair of the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Jim Harte, Chief Engineer, and John Starr, CEO, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on 12-15-09. The signing ceremony occurred at the place of business 1414 W. 29th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Statement of Support confirms that Koch Equipment LLC 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 Missouri employers to review and, if necessary, amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Tracy Beckette. “Many Missouri 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, Tracy Beckette said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Koch Equipment LLC 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”.
Mr. Harte said, KOCH Equipment has always given its full support to the Men and Women in the Military and we will continue to do everything we can to assist them and their families”
Mr. Harte recently participated in a Bosslift to Groton, CT, to witness the Christening of the “Missouri SSN 780”. He witnessed first hand what our reserve component members do when they are away from their employers performing military service. “ I came away from that experience with an even more profound respect for our men and women in uniform, from all branches of the service. Their dedication, passion, and professionalism is amazing. “
A bit about Koch Equipment:
John Starr, CEO of the company says, “ Since our founding in 1883, Koch Equipment has served the processing and packaging equipment needs of thousands of companies world wide in the meat and poultry, seafood, produce, dairy, medical, and pharmaceutical industries, Whether it’s kill floor, further processing, vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging, or high-speed labeling, our comprehensive offering includes over 250 products which enable us to custom tailor equipment solutions that meets the production line objectives, labor goals, budget constraints, and brand image of our customers.
Our employees maintain the production expertise, technical knowledge, competence training, and creativity needed in the ever changing food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. When you combine these talents with a passion to innovate, our employees are able to deliver positive results which leads to success for our customers and for Koch Equipment”.
“Mr. Jim Harte and Mr. John Starr join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Brigadier General Beckette. “By signing the Statement of Support, Jim Harte and John Starr are sending a clear message to the employers in the USA that while the reservist is 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 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 James Carver, Assistant Program Support Specialist of the Missouri ESGR Committee, 816-988-7960.