Wichita, KS– Rachel Stevens of the Kansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Clint Black, an award winning country music star, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Saturday, 16 February 2008.  The signing ceremony occurred at the 9^th Annual CSS Military Banquet Ball, hosted by the Kansas Army National Guard.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all that the military does, and continues to do each and every day,” said Clint Black, co-founder of Equity Music Label.

The Statement of Support confirms that Clint Black 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.

Clint Black has showed his support for soldiers over the years. He’s auctioned  tickets to raise money for Families of Fallen Soldiers and Mr. Black participated in “Bob Hope’s Yellow Ribbon Celebration Party” in 1991. The event was a homecoming celebration for troops who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and the 1989 invasion of Panama. On Feb. 16, he showed his support by signing a Statement of Support and singing the National Anthem for the troops.  It  was the first time Clint Black performed the National Anthem in public during his career. He later gave a speech to the troops telling them how much he supports them and what they do each and everyday.

 

Clint Black over the years has won numerous awards for his music, as well as made guest appearances on TV and has attended numerous troop awareness events. In 2005, he participated in the concert hosted by the America Supports You Freedom Walk.

 

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 Chuck Bredahl, Program Support Specialist of the Kansas ESGR Committee, at (785) 274-1559.