(Fall River, MA) Mr. David St.Germain, Program Support Specialists for the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Robert E. Guyon, Jr. President of Saint Anne's Hospital signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Friday Morning, 14 March. The signing ceremony took place in the office of President Guyon.

The Statement of Support confirms that Saint Anne's Hospital, one of the City of Fall River's largest employers with over 1,200 employees, 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 Massachusetts employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Mr. St. Germain, as he presented the award.

When asked about the criteria, Mr. St. Germain said, “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Saint Anne's 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”. As Mr. Guyon penned his support, he was surrounded by a cadre of Doctors and Nurses who have made multiple deployments since September 11, 2001, in particular was Col. Edward Cyr, CRNA, and his wife Barbara. Col. Cyr was the latest member of the staff just returning from Iraq. Ms. Sarah Jackson, Human Resources Director said, "We consider all of our people here at Saint Anne's as family members!" She continued, "We are proud of all of our staff and continue to keep in touch with the deployed member and their families during their absence!"

“Mr. Guyon joins a large force of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Mr. St. Germain. “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Guyon is sending a clear message to the employees of Saint Anne's 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 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.

For more information on ESGR, please contact Beth Sherman at (703) 380-9717.