These ten Lowes stores join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America's employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.

(Smyrna, DE)  Paulette Mason, State Chair of the Delaware Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, thanked ten (10) Human Resource Managers from ten Lowes store locations in Delaware and Maryland, as they displayed their support by signing a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve.

The signing ceremony included guest speakers MG Francis Vavala, The Adjutant General of Delaware; COL Randal Bright, 512th Air Wing DAFB; LCDR Scott Isaacson, Naval Operations Support Center; and, Shane Cornett of Lowes.  Distinguished guests included Representative Quinn Johnson and NCC Councilman Bill Powers.   Four citizen soldiers who are Lowes employees participated, as well.  Lowes employs 20 Guard and Reserve members in the stores represented.

The Statement of Support confirms that Lowes 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 Delaware employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Paulette Mason. “Many Delaware 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, Ms. Mason said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Lowes 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”.

“These ten Lowes stores 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 Ms. Mason.  “By signing the Statement of Support, Lowes is sending a clear message to their employees 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 mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities, in Delaware, is available at www.ESGRDelaware.org