EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska … Local employers signed a statement of support in February in downtown Fairbanks, pledging their commitment to Guard and Reserve employees.
The Employer Support of Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. We recognize outstanding support, increase awareness of the law and resolve conflicts through mediation.
"The ESGR program is the bond, or glue, that holds together the employer, employee and the Alaska National Guard unit,” said Colonel Scott Wenke, 168th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Without the steadfast support of the employers, our recruiting and retention programs and our overall man power would suffer tremendously. Through the ESGR program, conflict resolution, common understanding and thriving relationships are born. The 168th Air Refueling Wing appreciates the warm embrace from the businesses and local leaders who support ESGR programs and their hometown Air Force!”
By signing a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve, an employer demonstrates an understanding of the importance of military service. It also sends a clear message to employees who serve in the military that they don’t have to worry about their civilian jobs.
U. S. Senator Mark Begich, along with Wenke, attended the event and spoke about the significance of ESGR. Mayor Luke Hopkins of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Mayor Doug Isaacson of the City of North Pole, and Mayor Terry Strle of the City of Fairbanks signed statements of support at the event.
"We would have never guessed six to seven years ago that we'd have this many deployments going on at this high level,” Begich said. “It pushes the envelope of what businesses and employers need to commit to make sure the Guard is taken care of when they come back. For all of you that are signing, you are not only committing to be an A1 employer in my view, but you are also committing to the families so they know that when their loved ones are overseas or wherever they might be deployed, there is some activity back home to protect their job and make sure they are employed.”
The following 12 employers signed statements of support at the event: U.S. Senator Mark Begich, Fairbanks North Star Borough, City of Fairbanks, City of North Pole, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Golden Valley Electric Association, Presbyterian Hospitality House, Fairbanks Vet Center, Great Northwest Inc., Alaska State Troopers, State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and Fort Knox Mine.