From Left to Right: Dennis DeNoi (Program Support Specialist, ESGR), Andy Hewitt (San Diego Rotary), Capt. Iannone, Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Lewis, Lt. Col. Wakefield, GySgt. Farrow, Capt. King and MGen. Peter Gravett (S. California Committee Chair of ESGR).

(San Diego, CA) The Southern California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, honored two local reserve commands for their outstanding achievement and participation in a recent Fleet Week event, aboard the retired and historic aircraft carrier, the USS Midway CV-41.

Against the majestic background of the San Diego skyline, the host city to the west coasts largest naval fleet, two local reserve units were honored for their enthusiastic participation in the Fleet Week/Rotary/ESGR luncheon held at the Sheraton Marina on September 11, 2008. Southern California Chairman, MGen. Peter Gravett presented the plaques to these two outstanding units and commented that it is citizen warriors, such as these, that are the backbone of our military, especially in today’s climate.  He went on to comment that without these dedicated members of the Guard and Reserve, many of which have deployed 3 and 4 times in the past 7 years, our country would not be as safe as it is today.

The Southern California ESGR and the San Diego Rotary Club joined forces for the Rotary’s annual Fleet Week Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon to honor the unique partnership between employers and their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Southern California Reserve commands were challenged to see which commands could muster the most employers and reserve members to attend the luncheon in their honor.  The two Reserve commands that drew the most participants were  to be presented with a special plaque commemorating their achievement.  All seven components of the Armed Forces Guard and Reserve were represented at the luncheon, but it was the Army and Marine Corps that produced the best results.  Representing the Army was Lt. Col. Kelly Wakefield of the 96th Military Police Battalion, on behalf of the 539th Military Police Detachment and she was accompanied by Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Lewis. She thanked the Rotary and ESGR for their participation of the 9/11 event which included more than 500 guests and more importantly, for their continued support of our Nation’s Guard and Reservists. 

Captain Ryan King of November Battery (5/14) represented the United States Marine Corps. Captain King was accompanied by Communications Chief, GySgt. Farrow. They also thanked the ESGR and the Rotary and will make sure all of their comrades who will be deploying soon to Iraq, are aware of their support and especially the service that  ESGR provides to their reserve component.

Also on hand to participate in the presentation of the awards were Mr. Andy Hewitt (Lt. Col.,USMCR), of the San Diego Rotary was in attendance as was Capt. Iannone, Navy Region Southwest Reserve Component Commander and Lt. Pate, Special Projects Officer.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the Southern California Committee of the ESGR at 562-936-1746.