(St. Louis, MO) – The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, announced that Mr. Dale Goff, Jr. President of the National Association of Postmasters (NAPUS), signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on August 27, 2008.     

The U.S. Postal Service joins with thousands of America’s employers in pledging: 

• To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• To assure their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• To continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“This is a significant event not only for the U.S. Postal Service, but for all federal civil service employees. The federal government is the largest employer of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country,” said Secretary Hall. ”I am asking all of America’s public employers to reaffirm that their current human resources policies are a leading example of compliance with Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).”

“The National Association of Postmasters joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, national employer associations’ and federal agencies in publicly demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Secretary Hall.  “By signing the Statement of Support, Mr, Goff is sending a clear message to the employees of the U.S, Postal Service that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

 “The NAPUS organization is proud to demonstrate our support of Guard and Reserve members by signing the Statement of Support. Several of our members are in the Guard or Reserves and many supervise employees that are military members,” said Goff.  “We encourage all Postmasters to sign, and proudly display, a Statement of Support for their office.  By signing you show support for those who choose to serve in the military and for their contribution to the defense of this great nation.  NAPUS is honored to lead this effort to educate our members about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA).  It is our goal to insure the U.S. Postal Service is a military friendly employer,” added Goff. 

The National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS) is a professional organization for all Postmasters, with a mission to represent, promote, and protect Postmasters. NAPUS has a goal to foster a favorable image of public service, and to assure users of the mail the best possible postal service, and further, to be an advocate with the Congress of the United States. Working directly and closely with the U. S. Postal Service these past 100 plus years for the enhancement of Postmasters, NAPUS serves as the liaison office in areas of Legislation, Services, Benefits, Postmaster Representation, and works with issues of Equity, Dignity, Respect, Leave, Pay, Replacements, and Service (every household, every business, everyday) to the people of this Great Nation.

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 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 contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, of the National ESGR Committee, at 703-696-1386, or email tom.bullock@osd.mil.